Recap: Pirates Chase Mike Bolsinger And Take Series From Dodgers
Gregory Polanco laid down a perfect bunt single that got by Bolsinger to lead off the top of the fifth, and McCutchen drew a one-out walk which marked the end of Bolsinger’s day. Yimi Garcia came on in relief and promptly allowed an RBI single to Ramirez, that extended Pittsburgh’s lead to 4-2.
The inning came to an end on a strike ’em out, throw ’em out with Walker at the plate. Cole then retired the Dodgers in order in the fifth for a second consecutive inning. Carlos Frias made his first appearance since being reinstated from the disabled list Thursday and worked around a one-out base hit to toss a scoreless sixth inning.
With the Dodgers still trailing 4-2, Cole continued to breeze through the game. He set Los Angeles down in order, ending the sixth inning by striking out Ethier. Van Slyke snapped Cole’s streak of consecutive batters retired at 11 as he hit a solo home run to dead center field in the bottom of the seventh.
Pederson nearly combined to go back-to-back with Van Slyke, only for his loud out to be caught on the warning track in left field. Jim Johnson allowed a leadoff double in the eighth, but prevented the Pirates from adding to their 4-3 lead by retiring the next three batters faced.
Left-hander Tony Watson replaced Cole in the bottom of the eight and retired the side in order, including pinch-hitters Justin Ruggiano and Howie Kendrick. J.P. Howell induced a ground ball double play after allowing a leadoff single in the ninth and handed the ball over to Juan Nicasio.
Marte lined a base hit to center and soon after advanced to second base on Nicasio’s errant throw over to first base. That led to McCutchen being intentionally walked and the Pirates running themselves out of the inning.
Josh Harrison worked a full count and beat out a slow grounder to shortstop, however Marte was caught in a rundown between third base and home plate for the final out. Mark Melancon entered in the bottom of the ninth and converted his second save opportunity in as many games, and the Pirates’ 4-3 win gave them the series victory as well.
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