Zach Duke gave up five runs in the first two innings. The Pirates were unable to score that much in nine frames.
Former Pirate David Ross hit a two out, three run double as part of a four run first inning off of Duke. Pitcher Derek Lowe doubled leading off the second and later scored on a single from Chipper Jones. Lowe didn’t need any more than that. For good measure, Lowe walked and scored on another hit from Jones in the sixth. And that was all for Duke.
Duke gave up 12 hits in 5-1/3 inning. He allowed seven runs and whiffed four. Lowe benefited from a caught stealing and a double play to help keep hte Bucs down. He went seven and allowed just one run (a Garrett Jones sac fly) in the sixth to beat the Pirates for the second time this month.
The Pirates got two late runs off of Eric O’Flaherty, but it didn’t matter.
As of this update, it is 12:30 and the game is delayed with one out in the 9th with Lastings Milledge on first following a walk. I’m calling this one: Braves win.
The Good
Neil Walker doubled twice, scored once and drove in a run.
Steven Jackson made his 2010 debut and tossed 1-2/3 innings of problem free baseball. He replaced Charlie Morton on the roster. Morton was placed on the DL with shoulder fatigue.
The Bad
Duke’s ugly start.
The offense being handcuffed, again.
The Rest
Duke’s record against Atlanta is 2-4 in 9 career starts. Lowe is 9-0 versus Pittsburgh.
14 times in his career David Ross has driven in three or more runs. Four of those games have come against the Pirates.
Aki Iwamura’s hit streak ended.
