The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the San Diego Padres 5-4 last night at PNC Park. The Pirates bats and bullpen bailed starting pitcher Chad Kuhl out, after he went just 4-1/3rd innings. Kuhl allowed four runs on six hits before being relieved by Steven Brault and three other relievers who did not allow a run. Edgar Santana picked up his second major league victory in a row. Felipe Vazquez struck out the side in the ninth for his ninth save.Josh Bell and Sean Rodriguez led the Bucs with two hits each, as the Pirates won their third game in a row. They have now won 8 in their past 9 games.
The Bucs and Padres play again tonight at 7:05pm. Ivan Nova will start for the Pirates. Pre-game on WISR 680am will be 6:40pm. The Pirates remain in first place, with a 1/2-game lead over Milwaukee with last night’s victory. The Cards are two games back after losing to Philadelphia. The Cubs are 2-1/2 back after a rainout.
(Saturday’s game begins at 7:05pm. WISR pre-game at 6:40pm. Sunday’s game begins at 1:35pm. Pre-game at 12:35pm)
The Pirates have called up outfield prospect Austin Meadows and have been forced to place Starling Marte on the disabled list with a strained oblique. Meadows is a former #1 draft pick, whose progression to the major league’s has been stalled by injuries. Meadows was batting .294 in 32 games this season at Triple-A Indianpolis.