Pittsburgh Pirates series takeaways vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

Aug 7, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fourth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Game One: Gerrit Cole (14-5, 2.29ERA) vs. Clayton Kershaw (9-6, 2.37ERA)

Result: Pirates win 5-4

Winning Pitcher: Antonio Bastardo (4-1, 3.71ERA)

Losing Pitcher: Jim Johnson (2-4, 2.82ERA)

• What went right:
  • Gregory Polanco started the game by breaking Clayton Kershaw’s scoreless inning streak with a first pitch home run. He ended up going 2-5 with one RBI and one run scored on the day.
  • Andrew McCutchen reached base four times going 2-3 with two walks, an RBI and two runs scored.
  • The Pirates offense was able to get to Kershaw better than anyone ove the last month as they collected four runs on nine hits.
  • Pedro Alvarez did this:

• What went wrong:
  • The Pirates loaded the bases twice prior to the 10^th inning and only managed one run out of it.
  • Chris Stewart dropped a foul tip that would have been a strikeout to end the eight inning. Instead Jimmy Rollins doubled to tie the game.
  • Jimmy Rollins had a big game. Going 3-4 with a walk, two RBI and a run scored.
  • Howie Kendrick was also a tough out all night as he went 2-5 with two RBI.

Most people predicted a pitcher’s duel for game one, instead they were treated to a dramatic, extra inning walk-off victory. The Pirates then turned to their left handed ace for game two.

Next: Game Two: Francisco Liriano vs. Mat Latos