Series Review: Pittsburgh Pirates vs Arizona Diamondbacks

Aug 17, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Joe Blanton (55) pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the seventh inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Game Two: Francisco Liriano (8-6, 3.19ERA) vs. Chase Anderson (5-5, 4.31ERA)

Result: Pirates win 9-8 (15 innings)

Winning Pitcher: Joe Blanton (5-2, 3.11ERA)

Losing Pitcher: Keith Hessler (0-1, 10.80ERA)

What went right:

Francisco Cervelli had an awesome and gutsy performance. He caught all 15 innings, went 4-7 with an RBI and scored the winning run.

Francisco Liriano pitched better than his final line indicated. He went seven innings, allowed five runs on six hits, walked three and struck out five.

did this:

• What went wrong:
  • Mark Melancon blew his first save since April, but it wasn’t really his fault as his defense failed him big time. Sean Rodriguez and Jung-ho Kang both committed ninth inning errors that allowed the Diamondbacks to tie the game.
  • Aaron Hill had a very big game for the Diamondbacks as he went 3-7 with three runs scored.
  • Paul Goldschmidt was a tough out all night. He went 1-4 with three walks and two RBI.
  • A.J. Pollock was solid at the lead-off spot. He went 2-7 with two runs scored.

The Pirates played a pretty sloppy game overall, but were able to successfully overcome it and get the victory to even the series. Mark Melancon’s save streak came to an end because of very poor defense. The Pirates looked to play a better game and get the win to take the series.

They turned to J.A. Happ to pitch well and claim another series victory.

Next: Game Three: Happ vs. Ray