|
 Gaby Sanchez and Ike Davis also delivered run-scoring doubles
while Jordy Mercer added an RBI single as the Pirates maintained
their lead for the top wild card in the National League. Edinson
Volquez (10-7) gave up two runs and five hits over six innings to
lift Pittsburgh to its fifth win in seven games.
Alex Avila homered and Ian Kinsler recorded an RBI single for
Detroit, which tumbled to its fourth straight loss but remained
one-half game behind first-place Kansas City in the AL Central.
Robbie Ray (1-2), making his first start since May 22, was charged
with four runs on six hits in five-plus innings.
 Ezequiel Carrera doubled and scored on Kinsler's single in the
first, but the Pirates went ahead to stay in the bottom of the
second on back-to-back RBI doubles by Sanchez and Snider - the
latter coming when Carrera misplayed the ball in center field. Josh
Harrison doubled and scored on Mercer's single in the third before
Avila's solo shot to center in the fourth cut Detroit's deficit to
3-2.
[to top of second column] |
Ray was pulled after issuing a leadoff walk to Starling Marte to
open the sixth, but Al Alburquerque was greeted with a pinch-hit
double by Davis to make it 4-2. Justin Wilson and Tony Watson each
pitched a perfect inning in relief before Mark Melancon worked
around a pair of singles in the ninth to notch his 22nd save.
GAME NOTEBOOK: The Tigers received positive news on the injury front when
an MRI exam of RHP Justin Verlander's right shoulder revealed
inflammation but no structural damage. Verlander, who left Monday's
start after one inning, is expected to miss one start but could avoid
the disabled list. ... Volquez made a great behind-the-back stab of
Victor Martinez's first-inning comebacker and nailed Kinsler in a
rundown between third and home. ... Pirates 2B Neil Walker (back) was
kept out of the starting lineup for the eighth time in 10 games.
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