Another bullpen implosion cost the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 9-8 loss in 10-innings last night against the San Diego Padres. With the Pirates leading 6-5, David Bednar allowed a game-tying home run in the ninth inning, and Colin Holderman allowed the Padres three additional runs in the extra-frame and took the loss. It was Bednar’s fourth blown save of the season. For Holderman, it was his fourth loss in eight days.
The Bucs built an early 3-1 lead, and had to come back from a 5-4 deficit in the game. The loss was their third in a row.
The bullpen is not entirely to blame, either. The Pirates struck out 15 times in the game. They went 5-for-19 with runners in scoring position and left 13 runners on base.
They will try to avoid a series sweep this afternoon at 12:35pm. WISR pre-game begins at 12:10pm.
The Pirates head to Los Angeles to face the Dodgers Friday night.