Andrew McCutchen shines as Pittsburgh Pirates beat Houston Astros 6-2 – MLB Update
Pittsburgh Pirates put up a fine pitching performance as they defeated the Houston Astros 6-2 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Tuesday, September 4 in the second game of their three match series of the 2012 Major League Baseball regular season.
Pirates used their home conditions to great effect to create all sorts of problems for the Astros. The pitching rotation in particular played a key role in deciding the outcome of the clash, giving up just two runs against Houston’s powerful batting line-up.
Starting pitcher Wandy Rodriguez showed just what he is capable of as he gave up just four hits in seven scoreless innings to lay the foundation of an impressive Pirates’ victory. It was Rodriguez’s 10th win of the season. Surely, he will take
a lot of confidence from what he has achieved this year.
"Beating this team is very special for me because I played for the Astros for a long time," Rodriguez said.
“The whole night, the curveball wasn't there for me," Astros’ starter Jordan Lyles said. "I think it comes down to delivery. I've got to work on being better out of the stretch, and tonight it wasn't there."
Relief pitchers Chris Resop, Tony Watson and Joel Hanrahan combined to concede just two runs in three solid innings as Pittsburgh held on to their lead comfortably to level the series 1-1.
Andrew McCutchen produced another magical performance with the bat as he doubled to left in the first inning to put the Pirates on the board. He later reached on an infield single to third in the fifth inning to extend his team’s lead to 4-0.
"It's just all about getting that feeling back," McCutchen said. "It felt pretty good tonight."
Pedro Alvarez also made his presence felt as he reached first base safely on a throwing error to keep Astros on the defensive.
"That will take care of itself," McCutchen said. "I just need to do what I do here. That's coming out and playing hard. That's all I can worry about."
With momentum on their side, surely Clint Hurdle and his men will be looking to complete their series victory in the finale.
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