Ubaldo Jimenez allowed just three singles over eight innings to blank the Pirates. He struck out six and walked four on his way to his 10th win of the year. Franklin Morales mopped up in the 9th.
Kevin Hart was touched early. Carlos Gonzalez bashed a two run homer in the first inning. Hart was pulled with one out in the sixth after allowing three of the four hitters to reach bases via an XBH. He allowed five runs in 5-1/3. Chris Bootcheck relieved him and whiffed the next two guys to prevent any more damage.
The Good
Brandon Moss had two hits and a walk.
The Bad
Jeff Karstens allowed three runs in the 8th to make the final score 8-0.
The offense.
The Rest
This was the 14th time the Pirates have been shutout in 2009 and the 29th time they have scored one run or fewer.
Jimenez has allowed just one run in 14 innings of pitching against the Pirates in 2009.
Moss has just three multi-hit games since July 1. He is hitting .176 in that stretch (13-74).
Todd Helton’s 16 game hitting streak was snapped.
