After breaking a five-game losing streak, the Pittsburgh Pirates pitching fell flat Tuesday in a 15-4 loss to the San Francisco Giants at PNC Park. Wilfredo Boscan made a “spot-start” for Juan Nicasio, who has left the team to deal with personal issues, and allowed seven earned runs in three innings. All seven runs came in the fourth inning, when he allowed two home runs, including a grand slam. Catcher Eric Kratz, who was the hero the night before with a game-winning home run, pitched a scoreless inning last night. The Pirates used five relievers after Boscan. The Giants starting pitcher Johnny Cueto earned his 11th win of the season, allowing one run on four hits while pitching into the seventh inning.
Starling Marte left the game in the eighth inning with left foot discomfort.
The Bucs and Giants meet for game three of the four-game series tonight at PNC Park. Game time is 7:05pm. Pre-game begins at 6:40pm on WISR 680am. Francisco Liriano (4-7) will start for the Pirates tonight. Jeff Samardzija (8-4) will start for the Giants. The teams will play the final game of the series tomorrow at 12:35pm.
The Pirates fell to 34-37 overall. They trail the second place St. Louis Cardinals by 3-1/2 games after the Cards beat the Cubs 4-3 last night. The Bucs are four games out of a Wild Card spot.The post Pirates pitching blows up Tuesday night appeared first on Inside Butler County – Butler, PA.
