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Snell strong as Pirates rout Marlins

Apr 6, 2008 - 9:57 PM By Christopher Stock PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

MIAMI (Ticker) -- Ian Snell struck out 10 in six innings Sunday as the Pittsburgh Pirates salvaged the finale of their three-game series with the Florida Marlins by posting a 9-2 victory.

Snell (1-0) gave up two runs - one earned - and four hits without a walk while throwing 66 of his 100 pitches for strikes.

"The first start I was a little giddy because it was Opening Day," Snell said. "But this one, I felt more comfortable and didn't show very much emotion, just went out there and did my job."

The Pirates pounded out 14 hits without four of their best hitters. Jack Wilson was placed on the 15-day disabled list prior to the game with a left calf strain, while Freddy Sanchez, Jason Bay and Adam LaRoche were rested.

"We said it in the beginning, for us to be successful everyone has to contribute," Pirates manager John Russell said. "Guys on the bench as well as our starters."

Nate McLouth picked up the slack offensively, collecting three hits - including two doubles - driving in a pair of runs and scoring three times.

"I'm seeing some good pitches and you go through stretches where you might not hit the good pitches," said McLouth, who has at least one extra-base hit in five of the first six games. "But I happen to be going through a stretch where I'm not missing them."

Chris Gomez also recorded three hits as every Pirates position player in the starting lineup had at least one.

Rick VandenHurk (0-1) struggled for Florida, lasting just 2 1/3 innings. The 22-year-old surrendered four runs, five hits, and two walks while striking out four.

VandenHurk was optioned to Class AA Carolina following the game.

"I need to throw more breaking balls and my changeups more for strikes to get them off balance a little bit," VandenHurk said.

VandenHurk began the third by hitting Nyjer Morgan, and shortstop Hanley Ramirez mishandled a grounder by Luis Rivas. McLouth plated the game's first run with a double and Ryan Doumit followed with an RBI single.

Xavier Nady struck out, but VandenHurk walked the next two batters, including Jose Bautista with the bases loaded, before being removed. Ricky Nolasco came on and kept the game within reach, pitching 2 2/3 scoreless innings.

Alfredo Amezaga delivered an RBI single and Ramirez scored on an error by shortstop Rivas to pull the Marlins within 4-2.

Nady highlighted a four-run eighth with a two-run homer off Taylor Tankersley, his third blast of the season that completed the scoring.

The Marlins' first three hitters in the lineup - Ramirez, Dan Uggla and Mike Jacobs - were a combined 1-for-12 with six strikeouts.