CHRISTOPHER PANSINO – OVATHLETICS.COM
The Pirates were on a roll after winning three straight and bring the road trip record to 3-4. And with the Dodgers on a five game losing streak, perhaps the good times would keep rolling for the Bucs.
But tonight the Pirates did not play as well on defensive side as they have in their past three win. The two errors both coming in the third inning gave the Dodgers the early 5-1 lead that the Pirates could not over come. Errors have cost the Pirates at
Starting pitcher Charlie Morton had a hot and cold night. There was a lot to like about his start as Morton went deep into the game pitching six innings and struck out eight batters. However his final stats tell another story as he also gave up six runs including a pair of homeruns to give the Dodgers the 6-2 lead and eventual final score.
But the Pirates fielders did not help Morton’s cause in the third inning. An error by shortstop Bobby Crosby to lead off the inning and a error by first baseman Jeff Clement two batters later put two men on with just one out. Dodgers would make the Pirates pay as James Loney homered later in the inning to drive in three runs giving the Dodgers the early 5-1 lead.
A McCutchen RBI double to left in the first inning and a Doumit RBI double to right in the fourth were the only runs the Pirates could muster, as they did not get much offense from anyone else. McCutchen, 2 for 4, and Doumit, 3 for 4, were the only bright spots in the offense tonight.
The Pirates continue the four game series Saturday evening.
In other news, Ross Olendorf who was placed on the disabled list after having back spasms two weeks ago is now working his way thought the Pirates minor league system and could be back to the staring rotation next week against the St. Louis Cardinals.
