On Saturday night in San Diego, the Pittsburgh Pirates entered their contest with the Padres after receiving their first loss in eight games. But, doing what good teams do, the Pirates rebounded with a collectively solid performance from everyone.
Charlie Morton had another impressive outing since coming back to Pittsburgh's starting rotation after having offseason hip surgery. Morton went seven strong innings, giving up just three hits and allowing just one earned run against San Diego; he had yet another quality start.
As for the offense, five different players had an RBI tonight. That is one aspect of the Pirates that has been a constant in what is still a young Major League Baseball season. That is their starting pitching which has lead them thus far in 2015.
Pirates starters have a combined 2.80 ERA in 2015 and their first through fourth starters all have ERA's of 3.47 or less. Fortunately for the Pirates, who have won eight of their last nine games, the offense is starting to come around and click.
Tony Watson pitched a perfect eighth inning, striking out the side in order. Mark Melancon allowed a baserunner and with one out Matt Kemp hit a ball deep to right field, but Gregory Polanco made the catch on the warning track. Melancon struck out Derek Norris and finished his outing unscathed as he recorded his thirteenth save of the season.
The win Saturday helped the Pirates in the standings. They got back on the winning side of things after suffering a walk-off grandslam loss Friday night at the hands of none other than Derek Norris. Melancon made sure he made up for the Rob Scahill mistake on Friday.
The Cubs matchup with the Kansas City Royals was rained out so the Pirates are now tied with the Cubs for second place in the National League Central. The Pirates now sit six games back of the St. Louis Cardinals. The cardinals lost Saturday to the Dodgers so the Pirates were able to pick up a game on the red birds.
On Sunday, the Pirates will go for the series win against the Padres. The Pirates send Jeff Locke (3-2, 4.70 ERA) to the mound. Locke will oppose Odrisamer Despaigne (2-3, 5.23 ERA) for the Padres.
