For the long-suffering Pittsburgh Pirates fans, the wait may be over. The Pirates shut out the Miami Marlins today 3-0, behind the strong combined pitching effort of Jeff Karstens and a solid Pirates bullpen. Karstens got just enough offense from Pedro Alvarez and Andrew McCutchen, to secure the win.
The win was the Pirates fifth in a row, their longest winning streak since September, 2010.
The Pirates are one half game back of the Cincinnati Reds, and have w on 21 of their past 25 games at PNC Park. their record at home is 32-14, the best in the major leagues.
Alvarez hit his 21st home run of the season, with Casey McGehee on board, to make it 3-0. It was Alvarez’s fourth home run in the past six games.
Jared Hughes came on to pitch a perfect eighth inning, and Joel Hanrahan picked up his 28th save in the ninth.
The Pirates will play the Chicago Cubs on Monday to continue their homestand and is the first of 13 consecutive games against teams in the National League Central.
Other National League Scores
Philadelphia 4 – San Francisco 3
