Break Out The Broom: Marlins Sweep Pirates, 6-5
MIAMI (AP) -- Scott Cousins hit a grand slam, Brett Hayes added a three-run homer and the Florida Marlins beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-5 on Thursday night to finish a three-game sweep.
Cousins' shot to right-center field in the second inning was his first career home run.
Hayes extended the lead to 8-1 in the third with his first home run of the season. Both of the home runs came off James McDonald (0-2), who lasted just three innings for Pittsburgh.
Chris Volstad (1-1) allowed five runs in 5 1-3 innings for the Marlins, who also got a home run from Mike Stanton.
The Pirates cut the lead to 9-5 in the sixth inning before Matt Diaz grounded into an inning-ending double play with the bases loaded.
Pedro Alvarez homered, had three hits and drove in two runs for the Pirates.
(© 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
