Post-Game Buzz: Worley throws four hit shutout; Harrison homers again; Cole to make another rehab start

Win: Vance Worley (4-1)

Loss: Madison Bumgarner (12-8)

Vance Worley (4-1, 2.54 ERA) tossed a four-hitter in a complete game shutout, and the Pittsburgh Pirates (56-49) scored four runs in the first inning off Giants starter Madison Bumgarner and cruised to a 5-0 win over the struggling San Francisco Giants (57-49) who have lost five straight.

Worley struck out three and walked one, throwing 100 pitches, 71 pitches for strikes in a very efficient start. Worley has a history of pitching well against the Giants as his only other complete game came in a 7-2 win over the Giants on July 26, 2011, in Philadelphia. That season Worley went 11-3 for the Phillies.

He improved to 4-1 this season with a 2.54 ERA and 1.07 WHIP.

“He’s been focused. He’s been prepared,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “He’s not doing anything he hasn’t done before. His confidence is playing. The command is what’s showing up.”

Worley didn’t allow a baserunner until Pablo Sandoval singled to right in the fifth inning.

When Worley needed it he got some excellent defensive play from his shortstop Jordy Mercer and second baseman Neil Walker, including a spectacular turn in the fourth by Walker. Walker grabbed Mercer’s scoop barehanded while falling, turned and threw to first to get Michael Morse out.

• Josh Harrison homered for the second consecutive game, taking an 89 mph fastball high in the strike zone deep to left for his 7th home run of the season. Harrison went 2-3 with HR, 1 RBI, 2 R. He is 6-9 in the Pirates last two games, both wins.
• In the Pirates four-run first inning, Madison Bumgarner had a 42 pitch inning.
• Jordy Mercer went 2-4 with a two hit night from the No. 2 spot in the lineup.
• Gerrit Cole made his first rehab start with Triple-A Indianapolis. The Line: 5 Hits – 0 Runs – 7 SO – 3 BB. Cole will make a second rehab start on August 2nd.
• The Pirates gained a game on the Milwaukee Brewers who lost to Tampa Bay. Pittsburgh trails the Brewers by two games.