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Jones, Pirates down Rockies to take series

May 2, 2011 - 12:43 AM Denver, CO (Sports Network) - Garrett Jones had two hits an three RBI to lead the Pirates over the Rockies, 8-4, in the rubber match of a three-game set.

Charlie Morton (3-1) earned the win with 5 1/3 innings of work, allowing four runs on seven hits and five walks while fanning one to give Pittsburgh consecutive wins for the first time since April 17-18.

Ubaldo Jimenez (0-2) took the loss, lasting only four innings and allowing four runs on six hits and four walks. He also struck out six for Colorado.

"Before I was trying to get my velocity back. Right now my arm feels really good. I have my power back, but I don't have my control. So I have to put those things together," said Jimenez of his recent struggles.

Pittsburgh picked up four runs in the second. Ronny Cedeno laid down a bunt single that scored Ryan Doumit, after the Bucs catcher worked a lead off walk and moved to third on Pedro Alvarez's single. Xavier Paul hit a two-run triple with two outs, and Jones followed with an RBI double to give the Pirates a four-run lead.

Colorado got a run back in the home third on a Todd Helton two-out single that brought home Dexter Fowler from second.

The Rockies chipped away with another run in the fourth when pinch-hitter Ryan Spilborghs singled in Seth Smith to make the score 4-2.

But the Pirates added another four runs in the fifth after they loaded the bases with one out. Morton hit a sacrifice fly to go along with Andrew McCutchen's RBI single and Jones' two-run base hit to give Pittsburgh an 8-2 advantage.

The Rockies loaded the bases in the sixth on a Smith single, a Chris Iannetta walk, which forced Morton from the game, and a walk by pinch-hitter Jonathan Herrera against reliever Michael Crotta. Fowler followed with a two-run double that gave Crotta the hook as well.

Joe Beimel entered next and struck out Alfredo Amezaga and got Helton to fly out to left to end the inning and keep the score at 8-4.

Jose Veras pitched a perfect eighth and Joel Hanrahan threw a scoreless ninth to preserve the win for Pittsburgh.

"We came in and we beat a good team in their ballpark...The emphasis on the road was something we talked about in spring training. Our guys, they've done a fine job so far," said Pirates manager Clint Hurdle of their recent success on the road.

Game Notes

The Pirates now have four winning road series this season...Pittsburgh won a total of four series on the road in 2010...Pittsburgh left 11 men on base and Colorado left 9.