The Pirates used a total of four hits to score three runs and got stellar pitching from Brian Burres to win against Atlanta. The bullpen lived on the edge but got the job done.
Andrew McCutchen got things going early. He walked leading off the first and stole second base. Former Pirate David Ross throwing error allowed Cutch to advance to third and he scored on a grounder from Jose Tabata.
The Braves knotted the score in the second inning. Derrek Lee and Matt Diaz singled to start the inning. Alex Gonzalez was HBP to load them up with no one out. David Ross hit a sac fly to score one run. But Burres got Nate McLouth on a pop up and Braves starter Tommy Hanson grounded out to end the inning.
The Pirates collected two hits in the sixth inning. Tabata singled and Neil Walker followed with a two run homer. That was all the scoring. Burres went six innings and allowed just five singles. He walked none and struck out three. Hanson gave up four hits and two walks in six innings. He struck out four.
Atlanta loaded the bases against Chris Resop in the seventh but came away empty when Martin Prado grounded out. Evan Meek stranded two men in the eighth. Joel Hanrahan put the tying run at the plate by allowing a hit before shutting the door for the save.
The Good
Gotta be happy with Burres. Low hit count. No walks.
Walker extended his hitting streak to thirteen games.
The Bad
Other than a Ronny Cedeno error, nothing.
The Rest
Burres is now 1-1 against Atlanta. This was Hanson’s first career appearance against Pittsburgh. Although I believe the pop group Hanson played a post-game concert back in 1997 at Three Rivers.
Bucs came into the game 1-12 in games in which they collected four or fewer knocks.
Former Bucco Nate McLouth was 1-4 with a stolen base. David Ross was 0-2 with the sac fly and was pulled in the late innings for a pinch hitter.
