Pirates/MLB
Pittsburgh Pirates MARLINS 6 – PIRATES 3
Win: A.J. Ramos (5-0)
Loss: Jared Hughes (6-3)
The Pittsburgh Pirates (59-53) let a 2-1 lead slip away as a Josh Harrison error in the eighth inning opened the flood gates, and the Pirates bullpen imploded in a 6-3 loss to the Miami Marlins (55-57). The Marlins scored five runs in the eighth, en route to the 6-3 win.
Tony Watson was not available in the eighth and Justin Wilson walked in two runs and allowed three runs, failing to get an out after coming in for Jared Highes with runners at first and second.
Hughes was credited with allowing two runs but could have got out of the eighth if Harrison didn’t boot a potential double play grounder with one out.
Pirates relievers failed to throw strikes as Hughes, Wilson and Jeanmar Gomez combined to throw just 18 strikes on 39 pitches. Four Pirates relievers were forced to pitch in the eighth.
The Pirates bullpen is now tied with the Colorado Rockies for an MLB worst 18 blown saves.
The Pirates wasted an efficient outing from Charlie Morton who allowed 6 hits and 1 run in seven innings pitched.
Jordy Mercer had two hits for the Pirates in the loss. Josh Harrison extended his hitting streak to nine games with a double.
Neil Walker left the game due to soreness in his back.
COLE ROUGHED UP IN REHAB START
Gerrit Cole was roughed up in a rehab start tonight for Triple-A Indianapolis. Cole allowed 10 hits and 5 earned runs in just 4.1 innings pitched. Cole threw 53 strikes on 74 pitches. The Pirates planned for Cole to throw around 100 pitches and pitch into the sixth or seventh inning.
