A.J. Burnett’s solid outing not enough against Tigers, Shane Greene

A.J. Burnett allowed just one run in a 6 2/3 innings but was out-dueled by Tigers starter Shane Greene in the Pirates 2-0 loss to the Tigers on Tuesday night.

Burnett’s homecoming to PNC Park was a strong one, as he allowed seven hits, one run, while striking out eight and walking two.

“He was able to make his pitches, and get his fastball in locations he wanted to,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “His breaking ball had real good depth and tilt. A very efficient, a very strong outing by A.J.”

While it didn’t matter that much with the way Greene was pitching, Burnett’s night should have ended after the sixth inning when he was nearing 90 pitches.

In the seventh fatigue started to show for Burnett who struggled with his command and threw 24 pitches in the inning, exiting with two outs and runners at first and third.

Burnett threw 111 pitches, 69 for strikes.

Josh Harrison, Pedro Alvarez and Francisco Cervelli were the only Pirates to manage hits in the loss and two of the hits didn’t leave the infield as Shane Greene handcuffed the Pirates all night in allowing just three singles.

Pittsburgh was never a threat and Josh Harrison got the best contact off Greene in a couple hard liners to right.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle frustrated with an inconsistent strike zone from umpire David Rackley, was ejected for the 21st time as Pirates manager late in the game.