There was no bigger story than Pedro Alvarez today, who had his second straight two homer game. Both of his homers were of the three run variety, giving him six RBI on the day, a Pirates 2012 game high. He also added an opposite field double high off the wall in left field. Andrew McCutchen also added two hits of his own, and the Pirates got RBI from Alex Presley, who hit another home run, and Casey McGehee who stayed hot.
Brad Lincoln made what a lot of people hope to be his last start of the year, going just 3.1 innings and giving up four runs on eight hits. He struck out two and walked one, but was very hittable today. The bullpen did a great job behind him and made the offensive outburst stick. Tony Watson got the win with 1.2 scoreless innings of work, and Jared Hughes added two innings allowing just one run and limiting damage. His ERA is 2.08 on the season. Jason Grilli and Joel Hanrahan finished out the game despite having a four run lead.
The Pirates come out with a 2-4 road trip, which you’ll take after how they played in the first four games. They come home Tuesday to face the Twins.