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Sanchez, Gorzelanny lead Pirates to win over Florida

May 15, 2007 - 5:21 AM PITTSBURGH (Ticker) -- Freddy Sanchez is starting to regain the form that saw him win the National League batting title, and the Pittsburgh Pirates are reaping the rewards.

The reigning National League batting champion, Sanchez went 4-for-5 for his sixth career four-hit game as the Pittsburgh Pirates posted a 7-0 victory over the Florida Marlins on Monday.

Sanchez had been in a 4-for-16 slump before busting out for three hits on Sunday. He followed that up with a performance that included a two-run single in the decisive five-run eighth inning that put the Pirates up 7-0.

"It took some time but I feel like I'm starting to see the ball a little better and that's the key," Sanchez said. "It feels good to be able to help the team win."

Ronny Paulino hit a solo homer in the sixth - his fourth of the season - for the Pirates, who have won two straight.

Pittsburgh, which broke out for a season-high 13 runs against Atlanta on Sunday, scored seven or more runs for just the second time this season.

"Hopefully we can ride this as long as it goes," said Jason Bay, who drove in the first run of the game with a fielder's choice.

"Everyone was just waiting for it. It's nice but two games doesn't make a season, you've still got to go out there and keep doing it."

Rookie Tom Gorzelanny (5-2) was given the most runs support he's had all season and the lefthander dominated. He retired 13 of the first 15 hitters he faced and did not allow a runner to reach scoring position until the sixth inning.

Gorzelanny lost his last start against Chicago on Thursday despite allowing just one run in seven innings.

"He has pitched terrific all year long," Tracy said. "He's throwing three pitches for strikes and he's throwing them in quality spots. It's tough to deal with a guy like that when they're getting three pitches over the plate."

"I don't want to say I'm on a roll, I'm just trying to do my job and keep us in the game and do whatever I can," Gorzelanny said.

The 24-year-old allowed just five hits over seven innings and struck out five. He also picked up his first career hit in the sixth snapping an 0-for-36 streak to start his career.

"It's probably like taking a piano off my shoulders and 24 other guys off my shoulders," Gorzelanny said. "It was definitely a good feeling to finally get it."

Matt Capps worked a scoreless eighth and Salomon Torres allowed a one-out double and a walk before closing out the ninth.

Marlins starter Dontrelle Willis (5-3) pitched well, but took the loss as he allowed two runs and six hits in six innings.

"I felt good and felt like I threw the ball well enough to win the game today, but you've just got to tip your cap to Gorzelanny, it was his night," Willis said.

Aaron Boone started at first base for Florida in place of Mike Jacobs, who left Sunday's game with a thumb injury. Hanley Ramirez had two hits for the Marlins, who have lost eight of their last 10 games.

"If I knew I would give you the lottery numbers, too," Florida manager Fredi Gonzalez replied when asked for answers to why the team is struggling. "It's just one of those things. We've got to keep going out there and swinging the bats."