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Pirates sink Diamondbacks

Apr 18, 2012 - 11:59 PM Phoenix, AZ (Sports Network) - Neil Walker hit a go-ahead RBI single in the top of the eighth inning as the Pirates took a 2-1 victory over the Diamondbacks in the rubber match of a three-game set at Chase Field on Wednesday.

With the game tied at 1-1, Arizona starter Daniel Hudson recorded the first two outs in the eighth, but surrendered back-to-back singles before being lifted in favor of David Hernandez. Walker then lofted a fly ball into no- man's land in shallow right field that found grass, scoring Clint Barmes from second for the go-ahead run.

Brad Lincoln (1-0) tossed three scoreless innings of one-hit ball in relief of starter James McDonald, who lasted just four innings. Lincoln struck out four and walked three after being called up earlier on Wednesday to replace pitcher Jeff Karstens, who was sent to the 15-day disabled list.

"That's part of the job. You have to come in and get your mind right and be prepared for the game, regardless of the circumstances," said Lincoln about being called up earlier in the day. "For the most part I was able to do that today and go out there and just battle and get the team the win."

Juan Cruz worked around a leadoff single in the ninth to nail down his second save of the year. Pedro Alvarez added a solo homer and Andrew McCutchen finished with two hits for the Pirates, who took two straight from Arizona after dropping the series opener.

Hudson (1-1) hurled 7 2/3 innings and was charged for both runs on six hits and three walks. Aaron Hill and Jason Kubel each had two hits for the Diamondbacks, who finished with just five as a team.

"We didn't capitalize on our opportunities," admitted Arizona manager Kirk Gibson. "We have to give Pittsburgh a little bit of credit. Six of their last seven runs they've scored with two outs."

Willie Bloomquist opened the bottom of the first with a triple into the gap in right-center field and scored two batters later when Kubel laced a fastball back up the middle, giving Arizona a 1-0 lead.

Hudson retired the first two hitters in the seventh, but left a 2-0 changeup up in the zone and Alvarez ripped it over the wall in right, pulling the Pirates even at 1-1.

Game Notes

The Pirates drafted Lincoln with the fourth overall pick in the 2006 amateur draft...Arizona will continue a 10-game homestand with a four-game set against the Atlanta Braves beginning on Thursday...Pittsburgh returns home for a three-game set with the defending champion St. Louis Cardinals starting on Friday...Before the game, the Diamondbacks placed outfielder Chris Young on the 15-day DL with a shoulder contusion...A.J. Pollock made his major league debut after being recalled on Wednesday to replace Geoff Blum, who was sent to the 15-day DL as well. Pollock finished the game 0-for-3 with a walk.