CHRISTOPHER PANSINO – OVATHLETICS.COM
Pirates sometimes surprise even the most jaded of sports fans. After being manhandled by the Washington Nationals (60-78) this weekend, they turn around and beat the first place Atlanta Braves (79-59) 3-1, Monday at PNC Park.
Brian Burres who replaced Jeff Karstens due to shoulder soreness Sunday, allowed only five hits and one run over six innings. Burres struck out three in his first win since May 29.
But it was the Pirates offense that showed up a little today that got the Pirates the win. Neil Walker two run homer lifted the Pirates out of a 1-1 tie in the sixth inning. The hit today extended Walkers hitting streak to a career high 13 games. The homer was also his tenth of the season and the fifth in the past nine games.
The other run the Pirates scored came in the first inning off a sacrifice grounder by Jose Tabata, allowing McCutchen to score from third.
In other news Evan Meek made his first return to the mound since being struck in the hand by a line drive on August 29th. Meek pitched in the eighth inning, which set up for Joel Hanrahan to earn the save in the ninth.
