That is more like it! (16-28)

Pedro Alvarez saves the day with his first walk off home run. Ross Ohlendorf pitched great with six strike outs through six. He allowed two runs, only one earned (thanks Milledge!) The Pirates had scored their runs on a three run blast by Chris Synder and a shot by Jones, and then a strike out by Jones that got past the catcher to allow the fifth run on a wild pitch. That throwing error by Lastings almost cost the Pirates the game as as 5-2 lead was blown in the ninth by Hanrahan. Even giving up a three run homer if Milledge does not make that error the Pirates win 5-4. However, Hanrahan survived to keep a tie. Gallagher then gave up a two run blast to Todd Helton to go into the bottom of the 10th down 5-7 despite leading going into the ninth inning. Andrew McCutchen then hit a home run that was reviewed and called back. Tabata flew out and Walker struck out. Then inexplicably Jones got walked. Pedro Alvarez then took a pitch deep into the night to win the game 8-7.

It was not like this was the only spot for Alvarez. In fact, he had three hits on the night. Every Pirates starter had a hit including Ohlendorf. Pinch Hitter Dwelven Young also had a hit. McCutchen and Tabata had two joining Alvarez as the multiple hit guys. Meek had a nice inning. And Ledezma and Resop combined to get out of the 7th, although they were unable to stop the inherited runner from scoring.

The Pirates prospects had a good night too. Colton Cain struck out three in three innings of work for State College. Kevin Decker then got the win pitching four innings nicely himself. Cain did give up two walks, one of which scored, but Cain did not give up any hits. That followed up Zack Dodson's hitless 5 innings from yesterday, and Trent Stevenson pitched well to end that game as a win. Of course that followed up a really nice outing by Zack Von Rosenburg, so the Spikes are pitching well. Good news for the Pirates. Oh yeah, Mel Rojas was 2 for 3.

GCL Pirates hung on to win as well 4-3. Jarryd Sullivan the Aussie struck out six in five innings only allowing two hits. He has done well in the Rookie league.

But the big news was Altoona. They took a 8-6 lead into the top of the ninth before hanging 10 runs on the opposition for a 18-6 win. D'Arnaud, Watts, and Durham all had four hits. D'Arnaud hit doubles number 30 and 31. Hague and Lambo both had three hits including Lambo's first homer in the Pirate organization. Mercer and Harrison brought up the rear with two hits a piece (double number 22 for Mercer). This all helped Bryan Morris get an easy win. He struck out two, walked two, and allowed two runs in earning his 6th win at Double A.