After taking the first two games of the series against the Royals, the Pirates were looking to close up shop and sweep their first series against an American League team since sweeping the Indians in 2001. With a strong performance by A.J. Burnett and the presence of Andrew McCutchen ending an 0-9 slump, the Pirates were able to earn the sweep and move .5 games back from the division lead.
McCutchen, who was in an aforementioned 0-9 mini-slump, came back in full force today. Following a leadoff single by Alex Presley, McCutchen chased him home with an RBI double for the opening salvo of the game. In the third, McCutchen put the offense on his back again as he would connect with a two-run home run, his 11th of the season, to put the Pirates up 3-0. Coming into the game, McCutchen was hitting .422 against left-handed pitching on the season.
“It’s just one of those things I guess where I see them a little better,” McCutchen said. “I haven’t been feeling that great the past few days, but I was able to figure a couple of things out in the cage and I was able to put a show forth today.”
As for Burnett, he looked dominate early as he took a no-hitter into the sixth inning before allowing a single to Alex Gordon to break up the bid.
“Oh yeah, I was,” Burnett said when asked if he was aware of his no-hitter. “Rod (Barajas) was all over me in the dugout about it. They swing the bat and can hit. The only pitch I take back is the breaking ball to put the guy on second, the wild pitch.”
Burnett would hold the Royals scoreless until surrendering a RBI double to Alcides Escobar in the seventh. With his exit in the eighth with one out and runners on the corners, Tony Watson would relieve Burnett. Watson however, gave up an RBI single, charged to Burnett, and walked a batter forcing Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle to bring Juan Cruz in from the pen. After Cruz walked his first batter to load the bases, he struck out Mitch Maier looking to end the threat.
In total for Burnett, he went 7.1 IP, allowing five hits and two runs, while striking out six.
“He’s got a lot of confidence on the mound,” Hurdle said. “I think he’s in a good place as far as his comfort zone. This has been a good environment and he’s added to it. I think the fact the guys know we added a veteran player with a bunch of experience that isn’t going anywhere, the guys have fed off his energy and his leadership. The younger guys have helped to rekindle him and he has a lot of things on his to do list still.”
With the win, the Pirates can sit back and watch the Tigers and Reds go to battle on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball. If the Reds lose, the Pirates will be tied atop the National League Central with their rivals from the Queen City.
“It’s a great thought,” McCutchen said about hearing that kind of ovation come September and October. “He (Burnett) got that ovation because of what he’s done so far this year. Not really looking at far ahead right now. We are focusing day by day and game by game.
So at eight tonight, sit back and pull for Jim Leyland, Drew Smyly and the Tigers to take care of business. After an off day tomorrow, the Pirates get back to business as they embark on six game road trip with their first stop being in Baltimore. Brad Lincoln (3-1, 2.40 ERA) will take the hill for the Pirates as Wei-Yen Chen (5-2, 3.49 ERA) will oppose him for the Orioles. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET.
Photo credits: Getty Images
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