Pirates Snap Skid, Beat Diamondbacks 5-3
PHOENIX (KDKA) – Pedro Alvarez had a big game as the Pirates snapped a four-game losing streak with a 5-3 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks Tuesday night.
Alvarez hit his fourth home run of the season and came up with several defensive gems to help play spoiler against an Arizona team that is closing in on clinching the National League West.
Neil Walker's RBI double in the first inning got the Pirates out to an early lead. Alvarez doubled the lead with a solo blast to right field in the second inning.
With a 3-1 lead in the eighth inning, Derek Lee hit a two-run home run, which proved to be the difference in the game.
Arizona battled back to make a game of it with two runs in their half of the eighth inning.
Jose Veras was able to retire the first batter of the inning, but allowed three straight hits, which cut the lead to 5-2.
Tony Watson relieved Veras and got Geoff Blum to pop out for the second out. Willie Bloomquist followed with a bunt single, which allowed Ryan Roberts to score.
Watson got the Pirates out of trouble by getting Aaron Hill to fly out.
Joel Hanrahan came on for the ninth inning and retired the Diamondbacks in order for his 39th save of the year.
Charlie Morton (10-10) pitched six shutout innings while allowing three hits. He also struck out five and walked three.
Daniel Hudson allowed three runs on seven hits while walking three and striking out four in five innings of work for Arizona.
The teams will close out their three-game series Wednesday afternoon at 3:40 p.m.
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