Pittsburgh Pirates edge past Detroit Tigers 5-3 – MLB news
Pittsburgh Pirates edge past Detroit Tigers 5-3 in the first game of their two-match regular series encounter on Wednesday 29 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.
Pirates batting line-up proved its authority as they rattled the Tigers with great force. Taking early lead in the fourth inning, the Pirates slowly increased their lead and won with ease, especially the seventh inning’s back-to-back four runs, which proved
one of the winning factors for them.
For the Pirates, Pedro Alvarez played a key role in their win as he knew from the start of game that his team needs first win of the series to maintain the winning momentum against the Tigers.
He hammered Anibal Sanchez with great power and gave him no chance to adjust on the mound. Alvarez scored one run on one hit. He ran for two RBIs and maintained his slugging percentage of .406.
Right fielder Travis Snider also helped his teammate Alvarez to maintain pressure on the Tigers pitchers. He scored one run three at bats while he also ran for an RBI.
“I don't think as a team we ever check out in the seventh inning,” Snider said. “We've had a lot of late comebacks we've had a lot of great rallies off bullpens and starters late in the game.”
“We knew as hitters we had to grind,” Snider said. “If he's going to make a mistake, it's going to be early. Pedro did a great job jumping on him early, so did Jones. Russell the same thing, getting on base. Before they were able to get anything going in
their bullpen we were able to get to him in that inning.”
Second baseman Neil Walker was exceptional on the plate as he scored one run on two hits. He ran for an RBI and maintained his slugging percentage of .417.
Along with batters, the Pirates pitchers also performed tremendously and helped their team win a terrific first game of the series.
Starting pitcher A.J. Burnett pitched six innings and allowed three runs on five hits. He allowed three earned runs on 2.72 ERA.
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