Final/10
Alvarez takes mound for Miami vs. Pirates
Jun 15, 2014 - 2:47 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - It's been over six weeks since Henderson Alvarez has been scored upon while pitching at Marlins Park. The 24-year-old right-hander tries to continue the amazing streak Sunday when Miami aims to avoid being swept in a three-game set by the Pittsburgh Pirates.Alvarez has pitched 25 consecutive scoreless innings at home since the Braves scored in the sixth inning of a May 1 contest. He departed his last start a week ago at Wrigley Field due to a strained hip. Alvarez is 1-0 over his last five starts since a May 11 loss at San Diego.
Alvarez is 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA in two career starts against the Pirates.
Vance Worley makes his return to the majors today for Pittsburgh. The righty, who will have his contract selected from Triple-A Indianapolis, went 3-2 with a 4.30 ERA in seven minor league starts this season, striking out 43 and walking only four hitters. He was acquired in a trade with Minnesota in March.
Worley, the Opening Day starter for the Twins in 2013, went 1-5 with a 7.21 ERA in 10 starts a year ago. He's 1-1 with a 1.80 ERA in three career games (2 starts) versus Miami.
The Pirates have won five of their past six games and can move above .500 for the first time since April 14 and complete their first series whitewash of the year. They already have posted their first series win in Miami since June 26-28, 2007 and today can complete their first three-game sweep in Miami since Sept. 14-16, 1993.
In three games with Gregory Polanco, Starling Marte and Andrew McCutchen at the top of the order, the threesome has combined to go 21-for-47 (.447) with two doubles, two homers, 12 RBI and 11 runs scored.
Yesterday, McCutchen smacked a three-run homer and the Pirates defeated the Marlins, 8-6. Jordy Mercer belted a solo shot and an RBI double to go with two runs scored for the Pirates, who have won five of their last six games. Charlie Morton (4-7) struck out six and surrendered two runs on five hits and three walks over seven innings to notch the victory.
"We've been making pitchers come to us, laying off some of the close stuff," Mercer said. "We've been doing damage when they make mistakes. It's a lot of fun right now."
Jason Grilli recorded the final out in the ninth to notch his 11th save after Stolmy Pimentel allowed four runs in the frame. This was after Pittsburgh's bullpen imploded on Friday night, giving up four runs on six walks and just one hit to allow Miami to tie the game.
Marcell Ozuna and Jeff Baker each hit two-run homers, while Randy Wolf (1-3) allowed five runs on nine hits and two walks for Miami, which has dropped three straight.
"It's really frustrating to physically feel good and just not execute out there," said Wolf. "It's embarrassing to go out there and not have the command that you should."
The Pirates have won nine of the last 11 head-to-head meetings against Miami.
- PITTSBURGH: 2
MIAMI: 3
Final/10
Jun 15 4:37 PM - Casey McGehee sacrifice fly to right scored Ed Lucas with two out to win the game.
Pirates 2, Marlins 3 Bot 10, 2 OutsJun 15 4:33 PM - Casey McGehee double to left center scored Jeff Baker and Rafael Furcal with two out. Runner on second with two outs and Garrett Jones due up.
Pirates 2, Marlins 2 Bot 8, 2 OutsJun 15 3:45 PM - Josh Harrison single to right scored Russell Martin with none out. On the play, Pedro Alvarez advances to second. Runners on first and second with none out and Jordy Mercer due up.
Pirates 2, Marlins 0 Top 4, 0 OutsJun 15 2:10 PM - Starling Marte double to left scored Gregory Polanco with one out. Starling Marte advances to third on the throw home. Runner on third with one out and Andrew McCutchen due up.
Pirates 1, Marlins 0 Top 3, 1 OutJun 15 1:51 PM - PITTSBURGH: 0
MIAMI: 0
Top 1, 0 Outs
Jun 15 1:11 PM
Related News
- Pirates Top Games of 2023: No. 6 - Drew Maggi gets his moment Dec 23
- The Pirates got it right with Andrew McCutchen Dec 22
- Bucs Arghticles: Pirates’ Andrew McCutchen makes comments after signing Dec 22
- Pirates targeting first baseman in upcoming MLB Draft Dec 22
- Bucs Arghticles: Pirates sign Ryan Mattson Dec 21
- Pirates Top Games of 2023: No. 7 - Johan Oviedo shuts out the Royals Dec 20
- Andrew McCutchen re-signs with Pirates for 2024 season Dec 19
- Talk the Plank Podcast: The Pirates are a bit ‘Rowdy’ Dec 19
- Bucs Arghticles: Pirates sign Martín Pérez to deal Dec 19
- Pirates sign Martin Perez to one-year deal Dec 18
- Pirates Top Games of 2023: No. 8 — Mitch Keller tosses four-hit shutout against Rockies Dec 18
- Bucs Arghticles: Pirates’ Andrew McCutchen expected to re-sign Dec 18