Zach Duke allowed just one run in six innings to get his 8th win. He was supported by Adam LaRoche who homered and drove in three runs. But the defense committed three errors. That helped Cleveland score five runs in the 9th (just two earned) off of Steven Jackson to make the final 10-6.
The Pirates had been the beneficiaries of a Cleveland miscue earlier in the game. With two out and nothing happening, rookie SS Luis Valbuena committed a throwing error allowing Freddy Sanchez to reach base and allowing the floodgates to open. The Pirates piled on six runs, with a Jason Jaramillo homer capping the scoring.
Carl Pavano took the loss. He gave up 11 hits in 3-2/3 innings. He was charged with eight runs, with just three being earned. Duke struck out four, walked two and allowed a double and four singles.
The Good
Mark it down – Zach Duke will be an All-Star this year.
Andew McCutchen has a 12 game hitting streak.
With three RBI, Adam LaRoche passed the departed Nate McLouth for the team lead in RBI with 36.
The Bad
The defense. Andy LaRoche had a couple of errors, giving him 8 on the season.
The Rest
Zach Duke set a career high with wins in a half a season with 8. He won seven in the second half of his rookie year way back in 2005.
LaRoche is hitting .357 in June.
