Game 1:
3-2 Pirates
W – Parnell (1-0)
HR – Kendrick (3)
Pirates: (3-4)
Game 2:
3-1 Pirates
W – Liriano (2-0)
Save – Melancon (3)
Pirates (4-4)
The first game of the Pirates’ series against the A’s had
opposing managers throwing chairs, Bobby Knight style. James Shields recovered
from his first start with the team, by allowing just two runs over eight
innings pitched. He allowed both of his runs in the first inning. As the
quickly paced game approached the ninth inning, the A’s put out their closer to
face the bottom of the Pirates’ order. With one man on and two out, the Pirates
made a questionable decision by pinch-hitting for Zach Cozart with Garrett
Jones. The Pirates had no other shortstops on the team at the time due to Erick
Aybar’s injury. Jones knocked a single to center and put runners on first and
second bases for the struggling Starling Marte. Marte responded to the move to
the bottom of the lineup by hooking a walkoff two-RBI triple that gave the
Pirates the win. After the game Marte spoke out to reporters about the
opponent, saying: “I just wanted to stick it to the A’s managers. We didn’t
appreciate the smack that they talked all game. This was a big win. Watch out
league, the Pirates are for real!”
The second game of the day had far less drama as the Pirates
took the victory 3-1. Francisco Liriano became the first Pirate to two wins on
the season with seven quality innings. Howie Kendrick has now reached safely in
all eight games this season. Marlon Byrd was once again the hero as he had the
game winning double in the seventh inning. Mark Melancon shut down the opponent
for his classic two-inning save. The win moved the Pirates into a tie for
second place in the NL with a rematch with the Cardinals on the horizon. The
sweep had the A’s managers irate, just as Marte wished.
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