Newcomer James McDonald tossed his second effective outing in three tries and the Pirates offense woke up to some extent, snapping a seven game losing streak. McDonald allowed just three hits, two walks and a run in seven innings.
Chris Volstad was hit early. Jose Tabata walked and Neil Walker double, putting runners at second and third with one out in the first. Garrett Jones hit a sac fly and Pedro Alvarez singled to bring in both runners. Volstad settled in after that, cruising along until the sixth. Then he loaded the bases without retiring a batter. Andrew McCutchen singled. Tabata walked. Walker was plunked. Exit Volstad. Enter Taylor Tankersley. Garrett Jones hit a two run double and Pedro Alvarez followed with a two run single, giving the Pirates a comfortable margin.
McDonald gave up his lone run in the fourth. Logan Morrison hit a lead off double. He moved to third on a grounder and scored on a grounder from Dan Uggla.
McCutchen added a solo homer in the 8th off Brian Sanches to cap the scoring.
McDonald struck out six in his seven innings. Volstand went 5 plus and was charged with five earned runs on five hits and two walks.
The Good
Have to be happy with McDonald’s outing.
Breaking the losing streak.
The Bad
Ryan Doumit was the only position player not to get a hit or score a run.
The Rest
Volstad falls to 0-2 against Pittsburgh. McDonald lost his only other appearance – in relief – against Florida.
Jones drove in three runs for the first time in August. This was Alvarez’ third 3 RBI game in August.
Last time a Pirate pitcher went at least seven innings and allowed one run or fewer was Paul Maholm’s shutout back on July 18th against Houston.
