Mariners Sink Pirates 6-0

Mitch Keller got off to a fine start with a whiff, a walk and a DP. Marco Gonzales gave up a one-out double to Fraze that led to naught. The M's got a single-double-sac fly to plate the first run in the second; Keller survived a wild pitch to keep it at one. Erik Gonzalez singled with two away but was quickly caught stealing. The first two Mariners fanned in the third, followed by a knock and walk but no further two-out lightning. K-Man singled for the Bucs with two down and he was tossed out stealing, too. Seattle left a single aboard in the fourth; the Pirates didn't get a ball out of the infield. A leadoff double/single duo plated a second run for Seattle in the fifth. The Buccos got a two-out rap from Eric Gonzalez, who has been today's hitting star. Michael Feliz came in for the sixth and promptly gave up back-to-back dingers to Omar Narvaez and Aaron Nola to make it 4-0. Pittsburgh again couldn't get the ball out of the infield with two K and a pop.

Mitch was solid tonight - photo Dave Arrigo/Pirates

Williams Jerez worked the seventh and gave up a first-pitch homer to Shed Long. The Mariner's made it a half dozen runs with a walk, bouncer, and two-out single. Melky and Joey O opened with raps, but it didn't help. Clay Holmes was waved on for the eighth and gave up a walk, doh, but a DP took him out of the inning 1-2-3. Sam Tuivailala gave up an opening single to Kevin Kramer and a walk to Fraze but again, no cigar. Wei-Chung Wang spun the ninth with a walk and whiff added to his ledger. Reggie McClain yielded a leadoff rap to Joey O and nothing else.

Well, didn't expect much life from the Buccos after today's news (and the lineup card). At least Mitch pitched better, even if the bullpen did give up three more homers. We'll see if the hangover lasts into tomorrow night.

Notes:

• Joey O and Erik Gonzalez each had two knocks; the Bucs banged out eight hits, but seven were singles. They drew one walk and were 0-for-2 trying to steal.
• This was the second time this year that Marco Gonzales left the game with nothing but goose eggs on the board; the first time was April 25th.
• 10,933 was the announced attendance at PNC Park tonight. It didn't look like enough folk actually made the ballyard to fill a high school gym.