Zach Greinke was once again tough, allowing just two runs – split apart by an hour long rain delay – in 6-1/3 innings of work. The Bucs were trailing 2-0 heading into the bottom of the 7th. Adam LaRoche singled and after Andy LaRoche tripled him in, play was stopped. Jamey Wright took the thill following the delay. He allowed an RBI groundout to Jason Jaramillo as the Royals bullpen retired the final eight Pirate hitters to seal the deal.
David DeJesus homered and drove in two off of Charlie Morton who suffered his first setback on the year. He gave up three runs on seven hits in five innings.
The Good
The bullpen tossed four scoreless innings, giving up just one hit.
Jeff Karstens tossed another scoreless inning in relief.
The Bad
Andrew McCutchen was once again hitless, dropping his average below .300.
Offense still can’t get going.
The Rest
Greinke picked up his 10th win.
The Pirates won consecutive series for the first time since taking 2 of 3 from Colorado and then 3 of 4 from Washington (5-15 to 5-20).
Adam LaRoche is hitting .365 for June.
Through 75 games last year, the Buccos were 36-39 and 11 games out. This year they are one game worse at 35-40 yet remain in striking distance, entering today’s game at 5 out.
