Game Recap: Offensive Explosion Propels D-Backs Past Pirates

Aug 17, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (middle) is greeted at home plate by center fielder A.J. Pollock (11) and third baseman Martin Prado (14) after Goldschmidt hit a three run home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning at PNC Park. The Arizona Diamondbacks won 15-5. Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Diamondbacks managed just two runs against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday. One day later, however, the D-Backs lineup looked like a different team. They scored 15 runs, including a 6-run third inning to beat the Pirates 15-5. The Snakes head into the rubber game of the three game series with some momentum after dropping the opener.

Arizona struck early, taking a 2-0 lead in the first off Wil Nieves‘s double which scored Martin Prado and Paul Goldschmidt. Yet, the game broke open in the third, when the Diamondbacks ripped seven straight hits, tying a franchise record. After Jeff Locke retired the first two batters of the inning, five singles, a double and home run knocked him out of the game. The homer was a three-run shot off the bat of Prado.

While the D-Backs led 8-0 heading into the bottom of the third, the Pirates fought back with a four-run frame cutting the lead to 8-4. The score did not change until the bottom half of the sixth, when Jose Tabata‘s single drove in Russell Martin. Pittsburgh’s fifth run of the afternoon, however, would be their final run.

In the last two innings of the ball game, Arizona pushed seven runs across the board. Prado finished 4-for-5 with 3 RBIs and Goldy went 3-for-6, including slugging a three-run homer in the ninth.

Aug 17, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Trevor Cahill (35) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the second inning at PNC Park. Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Trevor Cahill (4-10), who was on the disabled list with a right hip contusion made his first start since June 30. He tweaked his mechanics during this time and it clearly paid off. While he did not have a dominate outing, it was good enough for the victory. He worked five innings, allowing four runs and striking out three. Locke (9-4) got through just two two-third innings, giving up eight runs on ten hits.

The Diamondbacks look to win the series in Sunday’s finale. Wade Miley will be on the mound.