After starting the night with a nine-run lead, the Pirates wound up needing the back end of their bullpen to close out a 12-9 win over the Braves on Tuesday at PNC Park.
The Pirates’ lineup did its part with a season-high 21 hits and a season-high-tying 12 runs. Andrew McCutchen, Gregory Polanco and Francisco Cervelli powered the offense with three hits apiece. But starter Juan Nicasio permitted five runs (three earned) in five innings, Ryan Vogelsong was charged with three runs and Arquimedes Caminero gave up a homer to Mallex Smith, the only batter he faced in the seventh.
That led the Pirates to summon their top three relievers — Neftali Feliz, Tony Watson and closer Mark Melancon — to finish a game they once led 9-0.
In his first inning on the job, Braves interim manager Brian Snitker watched the Pirates pound out seven runs on seven hits off rookie right-hander Aaron Blair. Pittsburgh added two more runs in the second inning, but Atlanta began to climb back in the game. Smith hit the first of his two homers, both two-run shots to right field, in a three-run third inning. The Braves and Pirates each put up a pair of runs in the fifth; Atlanta tacked on another in the sixth and three more in the seventh against Pittsburgh’s bullpen.
The Braves will take on the Pirates on Wednesday night in Game #3 of this 4 game series. First pitch is set for 6:05 PM and Thunder Radio will bring you the broadcast beginning at 6 PM as part of the Braves Radio Network.
