Pirates prevail over Dodgers in game they needed

Win: Gerrit Cole (5-3)

Loss: Brandon League (1-2)

Save: Jason Grilli (6)

After a disappointing three game set vs the New York Mets, the Pirates (24-29) had their best pitcher going against the Dodgers (29-26) back of the rotation and this was a game they really needed and prevailed, beating the Dodgers 6-3 on Thursday night.

Gerrit Cole (5-3, 3.80 ERA) earned his 5th win of the season, allowing 6 hits and 3 earned runs. He struck out 3 and walked 2.

“Cole gave us the big start with his energy,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “He had a great pace and rhythm tonight, and the best speed variance he’s had in quite some time. His fastball, changeup and curveball played extremely well for him, and everybody fed off of it.”

The Pirates broke a tied ball game in the seventh, a 3-run inning, with Josh Harrison, Neil Walker and Gaby Sanchez all driving in runs.

Jason Grilli who was put back in the closers role, earned his 6th save of the season.

• Pedro Alvarez (.221 – 10 HR – 28 RBI) and Russell Martin (.256 – 3 HR – 13 RBI) each homered in the win.
• Neil Walker (.280 – 10 HR – 28 RBI) went 2-5 with an RBI and is hitting .280/.352/.459 on the season. Walker extended his hitting streak to 10 games and is batting .324 with 4 home runs and 16 RBIs in month of May.
• Gaby Sanchez (.278 – 5 HR – 13 RBI) hit an RBI pinch-hit double in the seventh inning, pushing the Pirates lead to 6-3. Sanchez is 7-19 (.368) as a pinch hitter.
• Josh Harrison (.278 – 3 HR – 10 RBI) provided a spark, going 2-5 with 2 RBIs, run scored.