really good to see them keeping it up by bringing Hamels down to earth.The hitting right now is just on fire even with Cutch being in the slump he is all season.Lets hope they can get 2 out of 3 in texas before heading to Miami,....Can't wait to go see them play again next friday against the Angels and Mike Trout,...i hope the weather is nice for the game
[FONT=mlb_primary]<header class="cf top" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;">[h=1]Bucs' Taillon will make MLB debut Wednesday vs. Mets[/h]</header>
<figure class="poster first-image" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; font-family: mlb_primary; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 170px 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 729px; background: url("http://ui.bamstatic.com/mlbv2/sections/news2/images/caption-bg.png") 0px 0px repeat;">Taillon on his callup2:00
Pirates pitcher Jameson Taillon discusses getting called up to the Major Leagues to make his big league debut
243 COMMENTS</button>
[/FONT]
PITTSBURGH -- Six years to the day after the Pirates selected him second overall in the 2010 Draft, Jameson Taillon arrived at PNC Park and found a No. 50 jersey hanging from a locker with his name on it. It has been a longer journey than expected, the destination delayed by injuries and lengthy rehabilitation programs, but Taillon finally made it.
The Pirates will call up Taillon, their No. 4 prospect and the No. 49 prospect in baseballaccording to MLBPipeline.com, from Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday to make his Major League debut in their series finale against Noah Syndergaard and the Mets. He reported to Pittsburgh on Tuesday, settling in before a start long in the making.
"I feel like I'm in a position to say I put in the work for it. I wasn't just given this," Taillon said. "It's definitely sweet to be here."
• Taillon moves past injuries
The day Taillon first walked into his future home, he said, "My goal is to be back here at PNC Park in a few years and help this team." It was Aug. 19, 2010, and Taillon was 18 years old.
On Tuesday, Taillon, now 24, sat on the dais in the same room where he set that goal and reflected on the road he travelled to eventually get back here.
"I don't think this was the path I saw myself taking," Taillon said. "It's kind of what I've had dealt for me. Definitely makes it sweeter."
<twitterwidget class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" id="twitter-widget-0" data-tweet-id="740234353087811584" style="position: static; visibility: visible; display: block; transform: rotate(0deg); width: 500px; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; min-width: 220px;">
Follow
Jameson Taillon
✔@JTaillon19
Crazy to think of how many people worked so hard with me and helped me on this journey! But, this journey is still just beginning!
1:29 PM - 7 Jun 2016
</twitterwidget>Taillon may have been here two years ago if not for a torn ulnar collateral ligament that wiped out his 2014 season. It may have come late last season, after Taillon completed the grueling Tommy John recovery process, if not for a hernia that required surgery.
Instead, it will come Wednesday, six years and a day after his name was called between All-Stars Bryce Harper and Manny Machado in the first round of the 2010 Draft.
Showing no signs of rust after two years spent working away from the bright lights of the big leagues -- or even the dimmer lights of Triple-A -- Taillon went 4-2 with a 2.04 ERA, 61 strikeouts and six walks in 10 starts for Indianapolis.
"Mentally, I came back strong. I wasn't too concerned about the results," Taillon said. "I was looking forward to competing and playing. The same stuff that got hitters out in 2013 gets them out now."
Monday's rainout forced the Pirates to alter their rotation and left them without a well-rested option for Saturday. They opted late Monday night to push back struggling lefty Francisco Liriano and start Taillon on Wednesday, his scheduled Triple-A start day.
<twitterwidget class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" id="twitter-widget-1" data-tweet-id="740233893559820288" style="position: static; visibility: visible; display: block; transform: rotate(0deg); width: 500px; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; min-width: 220px;">
Follow
Jameson Taillon
✔@JTaillon19
Used to practice my autograph all day in middle school, and I would dream of making the call to my family and friends.
1:28 PM - 7 Jun 2016
</twitterwidget>While the Pirates were debating their options, Taillon was lying in a hotel bed in Columbus, Ohio, watching Netflix -- season two of "Bloodline," to be specific. He rolled over to text his girlfriend good night and found "some missed calls from some numbers I didn't have."
The call Taillon missed was his long-awaited call to the Majors. Shortly afterward, Triple-A manager Dean Treanor delivered the news.
"I kind of blacked out from adrenaline," Taillon said.
General manager Neal Huntington admitted to some "mixed feelings" about calling up Taillon. He could be here to stay, or this may be a spot start. Some of the determining factors, Huntington said, are out of Taillon's control.
"We're thrilled for him, to get him to this point with the adversity that he's just powered through," Huntington said. "Ideally, we would have had more time. And we may take more time."
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("http://ui.bamstatic.com/mlbv2/sections/news2/images/caption-bg.png") 0px 0px repeat;">Zinkie looks at Taillon's impactMLB.com's Fantasy Writer Fred Zinkie breaks down the fantasy impact of the Pirates' Jameson Taillon as he is called up to the Majors
</figcaption></figure>Fantasy spin | Fred Zinkie (@FredZinkieMLB)
An elite prospect with terrific Minor League stats this season (2.04 ERA, 0.81 WHIP), Taillon should be picked up in most fantasy leagues right away. While not guaranteed a permanent spot in the Bucs' starting quintet, the right-hander may need just one start to prove that he can outperform current rotation members Jeff Locke (4.28 ERA in 2016) and Nicasio (4.75 ERA). On a contending Pirates club with a pitcher-friendly venue and in a National League with several rebuilding teams, the 24-year-old could see his fair share of favorable matchups if given the chance.
</section>
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<figure class="poster first-image" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; font-family: mlb_primary; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 170px 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 729px; background: url("http://ui.bamstatic.com/mlbv2/sections/news2/images/caption-bg.png") 0px 0px repeat;">Taillon on his callup2:00Pirates pitcher Jameson Taillon discusses getting called up to the Major Leagues to make his big league debut
243 COMMENTS</button>
[/FONT]
PITTSBURGH -- Six years to the day after the Pirates selected him second overall in the 2010 Draft, Jameson Taillon arrived at PNC Park and found a No. 50 jersey hanging from a locker with his name on it. It has been a longer journey than expected, the destination delayed by injuries and lengthy rehabilitation programs, but Taillon finally made it.
The Pirates will call up Taillon, their No. 4 prospect and the No. 49 prospect in baseballaccording to MLBPipeline.com, from Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday to make his Major League debut in their series finale against Noah Syndergaard and the Mets. He reported to Pittsburgh on Tuesday, settling in before a start long in the making.
"I feel like I'm in a position to say I put in the work for it. I wasn't just given this," Taillon said. "It's definitely sweet to be here."
• Taillon moves past injuries
The day Taillon first walked into his future home, he said, "My goal is to be back here at PNC Park in a few years and help this team." It was Aug. 19, 2010, and Taillon was 18 years old.
On Tuesday, Taillon, now 24, sat on the dais in the same room where he set that goal and reflected on the road he travelled to eventually get back here.
"I don't think this was the path I saw myself taking," Taillon said. "It's kind of what I've had dealt for me. Definitely makes it sweeter."
<twitterwidget class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" id="twitter-widget-0" data-tweet-id="740234353087811584" style="position: static; visibility: visible; display: block; transform: rotate(0deg); width: 500px; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; min-width: 220px;">
Follow
Jameson Taillon ✔@JTaillon19
Crazy to think of how many people worked so hard with me and helped me on this journey! But, this journey is still just beginning!
1:29 PM - 7 Jun 2016
</twitterwidget>Taillon may have been here two years ago if not for a torn ulnar collateral ligament that wiped out his 2014 season. It may have come late last season, after Taillon completed the grueling Tommy John recovery process, if not for a hernia that required surgery.
Instead, it will come Wednesday, six years and a day after his name was called between All-Stars Bryce Harper and Manny Machado in the first round of the 2010 Draft.
Showing no signs of rust after two years spent working away from the bright lights of the big leagues -- or even the dimmer lights of Triple-A -- Taillon went 4-2 with a 2.04 ERA, 61 strikeouts and six walks in 10 starts for Indianapolis.
"Mentally, I came back strong. I wasn't too concerned about the results," Taillon said. "I was looking forward to competing and playing. The same stuff that got hitters out in 2013 gets them out now."
Monday's rainout forced the Pirates to alter their rotation and left them without a well-rested option for Saturday. They opted late Monday night to push back struggling lefty Francisco Liriano and start Taillon on Wednesday, his scheduled Triple-A start day.
<twitterwidget class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" id="twitter-widget-1" data-tweet-id="740233893559820288" style="position: static; visibility: visible; display: block; transform: rotate(0deg); width: 500px; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; min-width: 220px;">
Follow
Jameson Taillon ✔@JTaillon19
Used to practice my autograph all day in middle school, and I would dream of making the call to my family and friends.
1:28 PM - 7 Jun 2016
</twitterwidget>While the Pirates were debating their options, Taillon was lying in a hotel bed in Columbus, Ohio, watching Netflix -- season two of "Bloodline," to be specific. He rolled over to text his girlfriend good night and found "some missed calls from some numbers I didn't have."
The call Taillon missed was his long-awaited call to the Majors. Shortly afterward, Triple-A manager Dean Treanor delivered the news.
"I kind of blacked out from adrenaline," Taillon said.
General manager Neal Huntington admitted to some "mixed feelings" about calling up Taillon. He could be here to stay, or this may be a spot start. Some of the determining factors, Huntington said, are out of Taillon's control.
"We're thrilled for him, to get him to this point with the adversity that he's just powered through," Huntington said. "Ideally, we would have had more time. And we may take more time."
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("http://ui.bamstatic.com/mlbv2/sections/news2/images/caption-bg.png") 0px 0px repeat;">Zinkie looks at Taillon's impactMLB.com's Fantasy Writer Fred Zinkie breaks down the fantasy impact of the Pirates' Jameson Taillon as he is called up to the Majors</figcaption></figure>Fantasy spin | Fred Zinkie (@FredZinkieMLB)
An elite prospect with terrific Minor League stats this season (2.04 ERA, 0.81 WHIP), Taillon should be picked up in most fantasy leagues right away. While not guaranteed a permanent spot in the Bucs' starting quintet, the right-hander may need just one start to prove that he can outperform current rotation members Jeff Locke (4.28 ERA in 2016) and Nicasio (4.75 ERA). On a contending Pirates club with a pitcher-friendly venue and in a National League with several rebuilding teams, the 24-year-old could see his fair share of favorable matchups if given the chance.
</section>
| CENTRAL | W | L | PCT | GB | HOME | ROAD | RS | RA | DIFF | STRK | L10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Cubs | 40 | 17 | .702 | - | 22-8 | 18-9 | 305 | 163 | +142 | L1 | 7-3 |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | 32 | 26 | .552 | 8.5 | 18-11 | 14-15 | 283 | 254 | +29 | W2 | 4-6 |
| St. Louis Cardinals | 30 | 28 | .517 | 10.5 | 15-16 | 15-12 | 313 | 260 | +53 | L1 | 6-4 |
| Milwaukee Brewers | 27 | 31 | .466 | 13.5 | 16-15 | 11-16 | 240 | 283 | -43 | W1 | 5-5 |
| Cincinnati Reds | 22 | 36 | .379 | 18.5 | 15-16 | 7-20 | 257 | 347 | -90 | W1 | 7-3 |
<thead class="standings-categories" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
</thead><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;">
</tbody>
[FONT=mlb_primary]<header class="cf top" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;">Bucs extend mastery of Mets with DH sweep
</header>[/FONT]
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</figcaption></figure><section class="content article-bottom cf" style="margin: 22px auto 0px; padding: 0px 25px 33px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; max-width: 660px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[FONT=mlb_primary !important]By Adam Berry and Anthony DiComo / MLB.com | 1:27 AM ET <button class="comment-button" style="margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border: none; vertical-align: bottom; font-family: mlb_primary; font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer; border-radius: 5px; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); background: rgb(255, 255, 255);">+
11 COMMENTS</button>
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PITTSBURGH -- The Mets came to PNC Park with a vaunted rotation and a pitching staff that owned the Majors' second-lowest ERA. Yet it was the Pirates who imposed their will from the mound during Tuesday's doubleheader, finishing the two-game sweep with a 3-1 win in the nightcap.
Known the last three years for their pitching and defense, the Pirates began the day with a staff ERA that ranked slightly below the Major League average. But the back end of the Bucs' rotation delivered throughout the day. After left-hander Jonathon Niese held the Mets scoreless for seven innings and outdueled Steven Matz in the opener, right-hander Juan Nicasio and four Pirates relievers limited the Mets to four hits in the nightcap, striking out 11. Overall, the Pirates' pitching staff allowed two runs on nine hits and five walks while striking out 17 over 18 innings.
"That's what you look for every time you go out. It doesn't always happen, because the other team, those guys get paid, too," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "The pitching plan was executed very well by the starters and the relievers that followed. Really good job off the mound all day, all night."
• Bucs win Game 1 behind strong Niese start
But Niese, Nicasio and the Pirates' bullpen made the most of their run support on Tuesday. The Bucs put up two early runs behind Nicasio against Mets right-hander Jacob deGrom, and Nicasio limited the Mets to one run while striking out seven over five-plus innings. Jared Hughes got him out of a jam in the sixth, and Tony Watson pitched a clean seventh. Working for the second time in about four hours, Neftali Feliz struck out the side in the eighth and closer Mark Melancon completed a two-save day -- the Pirates' first since Matt Capps on Aug. 28, 2007 -- to seal the win.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
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</figcaption></figure>"It kind of unites everybody," Melancon said of Pittsburgh's staff-wide success. "I feel like we've done that for the last 3 1/2 years. Obviously there have been some rough patches every year. It's bound to happen. We don't lose confidence in one another. It's a strong bond we have down there."
The Pirates extended their winning streak against the Mets to nine games. New York has lost seven of its last 10 games, scoring a combined 23 runs during that stretch.
• Lagares hopes to avoid surgery, return this weekend
"That's just a part of baseball," said Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, who finished 0-for-7 in the doubleheader. "Everyone has some highs and some lows."
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
One is the loneliest number: After scoring a single run in Game 1 of the doubleheader, the Mets continued their offensive struggles with just one more on a Kevin Plawecki RBI single in the nightcap. The Mets have scored a total of two runs over their last 27 innings, averaging a Major League-worst 2.3 per night over their last 10 games.
"I don't know if there's one general thing," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "We've got to apply some of the stuff we're working on. We've got to put the ball in play." More >
Here's Johnny: Plawecki's fifth-inning RBI single cut the Pirates' lead in half, but the margin wouldn't last for long. After back-to-back singles by catcher Chris Stewart and Nicasio, John Jaso ripped an RBI double into the right-center-field gap. The ball rolled to the wall, allowing Stewart to score and reestablishing the Bucs' two-run lead.
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</figcaption></figure>Cleanup man: Nicasio was brilliant early on, keeping the Mets off the basepaths for four innings. He cracked in the fifth, giving up a leadoff single to Neil Walker and eventually a run on Plawecki's RBI single, and walked the first batter he faced in the sixth. Rather than let Nicasio try to work his way out of the jam, Hurdle turned to Hughes. The ground-ball specialist did his job, needing four pitches to get three outs on a double play and another groundout.
"He's a very integral part of what we do out there," Hurdle said. "When he's in sync and doing things, it makes us much stronger in a couple different ways."
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</figcaption></figure>Whiffs not enough: Fanning five straight batters from the second through fourth innings, deGrom showcased the same swing-and-miss stuff he used to dominate the White Sox in his previous outing. Only this time, it wasn't enough. Jaso and friends did enough damage to keep deGrom winless for a seventh consecutive start, despite 19 strikeouts over his last two.
"When you go out there, you don't really think about that," deGrom said. "I think everybody on this staff's goal is just to put up zeros. Everybody's grinding, trying to do their best. It's just a tough stretch we're in right now, but things will turn around."
QUOTABLE
"It was a lot of emotions. But more than anything, we come away from the day with two losses, which is ultimately the worst-case scenario." -- Mets second baseman Neil Walker, on playing in his first games in Pittsburgh since a December trade to the Mets
"I just have a ton of respect for Neil. I realize what he means to this city. … I'm sure he'll be a commentator here or they'll have a statue of him. I'm hoping I'm there for the ceremony." -- Melancon, on striking out Walker for the last out
SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS
The last Mets pitcher to beat the Pirates? None other than Niese, the winning pitcher in the Mets' 5-3 victory over the Pirates on June 28, 2014.
This was the first doubleheader between the Pirates and Mets since Pittsburgh swept one at PNC Park on Sept. 19, 2004. The Bucs have won nine in a row against the Mets for the first time in franchise history; they had four separate eight-game winning streaks.
WHAT'S NEXT
Mets: One larger-than-life Texas right-hander will face another Wednesday, when Noah Syndergaard welcomes Pittsburgh's Jameson Taillon to the big leagues. Consider it an unenviable task for Taillon; Syndergaard owns a 3-0 record and 0.74 ERA over his last five outings, one of them a relief appearance, striking out 35 batters with one walk in 24 1/3 innings.
Pirates: Taillon will make his long-awaited Major League debut after being called up from Triple-A Indianapolis. The right-hander, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2010 Draft and the Pirates' No. 4 prospect, has fought his way back from two years of injuries, compiling a 4-2 record and 2.04 ERA in 10 starts this season.
Watch every out-of-market regular-season game live on MLB.TV.
Adam Berry has covered the Pirates for MLB.com since 2015. Follow him on Twitter at@adamdberry.
Anthony DiComo has covered the Mets for MLB.com since 2008. Follow him on Twitter@AnthonyDiComo and Facebook, and listen to his podcast.
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
</section>
</header>[/FONT]
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11 COMMENTS</button>
[/FONT]
PITTSBURGH -- The Mets came to PNC Park with a vaunted rotation and a pitching staff that owned the Majors' second-lowest ERA. Yet it was the Pirates who imposed their will from the mound during Tuesday's doubleheader, finishing the two-game sweep with a 3-1 win in the nightcap.
Known the last three years for their pitching and defense, the Pirates began the day with a staff ERA that ranked slightly below the Major League average. But the back end of the Bucs' rotation delivered throughout the day. After left-hander Jonathon Niese held the Mets scoreless for seven innings and outdueled Steven Matz in the opener, right-hander Juan Nicasio and four Pirates relievers limited the Mets to four hits in the nightcap, striking out 11. Overall, the Pirates' pitching staff allowed two runs on nine hits and five walks while striking out 17 over 18 innings.
"That's what you look for every time you go out. It doesn't always happen, because the other team, those guys get paid, too," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "The pitching plan was executed very well by the starters and the relievers that followed. Really good job off the mound all day, all night."
• Bucs win Game 1 behind strong Niese start
But Niese, Nicasio and the Pirates' bullpen made the most of their run support on Tuesday. The Bucs put up two early runs behind Nicasio against Mets right-hander Jacob deGrom, and Nicasio limited the Mets to one run while striking out seven over five-plus innings. Jared Hughes got him out of a jam in the sixth, and Tony Watson pitched a clean seventh. Working for the second time in about four hours, Neftali Feliz struck out the side in the eighth and closer Mark Melancon completed a two-save day -- the Pirates' first since Matt Capps on Aug. 28, 2007 -- to seal the win.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank"></figcaption></figure>"It kind of unites everybody," Melancon said of Pittsburgh's staff-wide success. "I feel like we've done that for the last 3 1/2 years. Obviously there have been some rough patches every year. It's bound to happen. We don't lose confidence in one another. It's a strong bond we have down there."
The Pirates extended their winning streak against the Mets to nine games. New York has lost seven of its last 10 games, scoring a combined 23 runs during that stretch.
• Lagares hopes to avoid surgery, return this weekend
"That's just a part of baseball," said Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, who finished 0-for-7 in the doubleheader. "Everyone has some highs and some lows."
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
One is the loneliest number: After scoring a single run in Game 1 of the doubleheader, the Mets continued their offensive struggles with just one more on a Kevin Plawecki RBI single in the nightcap. The Mets have scored a total of two runs over their last 27 innings, averaging a Major League-worst 2.3 per night over their last 10 games.
"I don't know if there's one general thing," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "We've got to apply some of the stuff we're working on. We've got to put the ball in play." More >
Here's Johnny: Plawecki's fifth-inning RBI single cut the Pirates' lead in half, but the margin wouldn't last for long. After back-to-back singles by catcher Chris Stewart and Nicasio, John Jaso ripped an RBI double into the right-center-field gap. The ball rolled to the wall, allowing Stewart to score and reestablishing the Bucs' two-run lead.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank"></figcaption></figure>Cleanup man: Nicasio was brilliant early on, keeping the Mets off the basepaths for four innings. He cracked in the fifth, giving up a leadoff single to Neil Walker and eventually a run on Plawecki's RBI single, and walked the first batter he faced in the sixth. Rather than let Nicasio try to work his way out of the jam, Hurdle turned to Hughes. The ground-ball specialist did his job, needing four pitches to get three outs on a double play and another groundout.
"He's a very integral part of what we do out there," Hurdle said. "When he's in sync and doing things, it makes us much stronger in a couple different ways."
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank"></figcaption></figure>Whiffs not enough: Fanning five straight batters from the second through fourth innings, deGrom showcased the same swing-and-miss stuff he used to dominate the White Sox in his previous outing. Only this time, it wasn't enough. Jaso and friends did enough damage to keep deGrom winless for a seventh consecutive start, despite 19 strikeouts over his last two.
"When you go out there, you don't really think about that," deGrom said. "I think everybody on this staff's goal is just to put up zeros. Everybody's grinding, trying to do their best. It's just a tough stretch we're in right now, but things will turn around."
QUOTABLE
"It was a lot of emotions. But more than anything, we come away from the day with two losses, which is ultimately the worst-case scenario." -- Mets second baseman Neil Walker, on playing in his first games in Pittsburgh since a December trade to the Mets
"I just have a ton of respect for Neil. I realize what he means to this city. … I'm sure he'll be a commentator here or they'll have a statue of him. I'm hoping I'm there for the ceremony." -- Melancon, on striking out Walker for the last out
SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS
The last Mets pitcher to beat the Pirates? None other than Niese, the winning pitcher in the Mets' 5-3 victory over the Pirates on June 28, 2014.
This was the first doubleheader between the Pirates and Mets since Pittsburgh swept one at PNC Park on Sept. 19, 2004. The Bucs have won nine in a row against the Mets for the first time in franchise history; they had four separate eight-game winning streaks.
WHAT'S NEXT
Mets: One larger-than-life Texas right-hander will face another Wednesday, when Noah Syndergaard welcomes Pittsburgh's Jameson Taillon to the big leagues. Consider it an unenviable task for Taillon; Syndergaard owns a 3-0 record and 0.74 ERA over his last five outings, one of them a relief appearance, striking out 35 batters with one walk in 24 1/3 innings.
Pirates: Taillon will make his long-awaited Major League debut after being called up from Triple-A Indianapolis. The right-hander, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2010 Draft and the Pirates' No. 4 prospect, has fought his way back from two years of injuries, compiling a 4-2 record and 2.04 ERA in 10 starts this season.
Watch every out-of-market regular-season game live on MLB.TV.
Adam Berry has covered the Pirates for MLB.com since 2015. Follow him on Twitter at@adamdberry.
Anthony DiComo has covered the Mets for MLB.com since 2008. Follow him on Twitter@AnthonyDiComo and Facebook, and listen to his podcast.
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
</section>
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Pirates rookie notches 1st MLB win after 'long journey' of overcoming injuries
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NEW YORK -- The ball was stained with red, a permanent reminder of a historic night that hardly seemed possible in recent years. It sat on a ledge in the locker of Pirates right-handerJameson Taillon, who flirted with history en route to his first career win Tuesday night, a 4-0 Pittsburgh victory over the Mets.
Six days removed from his first Major League start, five days after he was sent back to Triple-A Indianapolis and months after recovering from his second season-ending injury in as many years, Taillon took a no-hitter into the seventh inning at Citi Field. He didn't get it; a grounder from Curtis Granderson sneaked through the middle of a pair of outstretched gloves to start the seventh. But, after leaving with eight scoreless innings of two-hit ball in the books, he was the thankful recipient of a Gatorade shower.
"It was cold," said Taillon, who was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2010 MLB Draft, selected between Bryce Harper of the Nationals and Manny Machado of the Orioles. "I've seen a lot of college football coaches get those. I guess I've always wondered how it felt. And I got one."
• Justice: Pirates rookie makes Mets walk the blank
Taillon, the Pirates' No. 4 prospect and the overall No. 48 prospect in baseball, was only here because of emergency. Before the game, the Pirates placed ace Gerrit Cole on thedisabled list and recalled Taillon.
After making his debut against the Mets last week, questions arose surrounding the rookie's ability to pitch effectively against a team he had faced so recently. He pitched well last Wednesday -- allowing just three runs in six innings -- but familiarity sometimes benefits the offense.
That wasn't the case Tuesday. Not at all. Through six innings, Taillon had allowed two baserunners -- on a walk and a hit-by-pitch. He was rolling.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank">
</figcaption></figure>"After the first inning, we said jokingly, 'Well he hasn't gotten ahead of anybody and he's on pace to throw 54 pitches,'" manager Clint Hurdle said. "Just a dugout joke, to keep things loose. Then by the fourth inning, I said, 'Well, he's not far off that pace."
Granderson, the Mets' No. 3 hitter, led off the seventh. He ripped a 1-2 curveball toward the right side of the infield.
Shortstop Jordy Mercer dove to his left. Second baseman Josh Harrison dove to his right. The Pirates were in a shift, a measure of precaution for this exact type of scenario.
Mercer lunged first, and then Harrison. Both extended their limbs. Yet the ball sneaked through anyway, leaving the pair of middle infielders sprawled across the field as Granderson reached first base safely.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank">
</figcaption></figure>"That was the loudest I've ever heard a stadium be. And that doesn't really bother me," Taillon said. "I kind of had a moment -- I just took a step back and had a rookie moment. It's pretty cool -- I get to be here, I get to have these fans being loud, it doesn't rattle me."
"One of the first comments he made after the game was, 'Pressure is a privilege,'" Hurdle said.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank">
</figcaption></figure>Mercer said he turned around and looked at the scoreboard after the play. He noticed both he and Harrison were "half a step" away.
"Sometimes it just doesn't work," Mercer said.
For the first time all night, Citi Field erupted. With a runner on first and only a two-run deficit, the Mets had hope. But then Taillon forced Yoenis Cespedes into a double play and Kelly Johnson into an inning-ending grounder.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank">
</figcaption></figure>He gave up another hit in the eighth, before retiring to the dugout for good.
It had been a "whirlwind" week for Taillon. After making his long-awaited Major League debut, he was quickly shuffled back to the Minors. But during Triple-A Indianapolis' game on Sunday, he learned he was coming back up. It had taken him six years after getting drafted to make the Majors.
"It was a long journey. Probably different than I could have imagined, but I'm here now," Taillon said. "I never lost confidence throughout the journey, throughout the six years. I always thought I would get here at some point."
Taillon said he's gotten close to a no-hitter once before. He had one into the sixth inning in Triple-A this year, until the opposing pitcher broke it up. But aside from that?
"Not in the big leagues," Taillon said. "It's a little different up here."
</section>
Pirates rookie notches 1st MLB win after 'long journey' of overcoming injuries
</header>[/FONT]
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<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 170px 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 729px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank"></figcaption></figure><section class="content cf article-bottom" style="margin: 22px auto 0px; padding: 0px 25px 33px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; max-width: 660px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[FONT=mlb_primary !important]By Joshua Needelman / MLB.com | 12:31 AM ET <button class="comment-button" style="margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border: none; vertical-align: bottom; font-family: mlb_primary; font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer; border-radius: 5px; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); background: rgb(255, 255, 255);">+
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NEW YORK -- The ball was stained with red, a permanent reminder of a historic night that hardly seemed possible in recent years. It sat on a ledge in the locker of Pirates right-handerJameson Taillon, who flirted with history en route to his first career win Tuesday night, a 4-0 Pittsburgh victory over the Mets.
Six days removed from his first Major League start, five days after he was sent back to Triple-A Indianapolis and months after recovering from his second season-ending injury in as many years, Taillon took a no-hitter into the seventh inning at Citi Field. He didn't get it; a grounder from Curtis Granderson sneaked through the middle of a pair of outstretched gloves to start the seventh. But, after leaving with eight scoreless innings of two-hit ball in the books, he was the thankful recipient of a Gatorade shower.
"It was cold," said Taillon, who was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2010 MLB Draft, selected between Bryce Harper of the Nationals and Manny Machado of the Orioles. "I've seen a lot of college football coaches get those. I guess I've always wondered how it felt. And I got one."
• Justice: Pirates rookie makes Mets walk the blank
Taillon, the Pirates' No. 4 prospect and the overall No. 48 prospect in baseball, was only here because of emergency. Before the game, the Pirates placed ace Gerrit Cole on thedisabled list and recalled Taillon.
After making his debut against the Mets last week, questions arose surrounding the rookie's ability to pitch effectively against a team he had faced so recently. He pitched well last Wednesday -- allowing just three runs in six innings -- but familiarity sometimes benefits the offense.
That wasn't the case Tuesday. Not at all. Through six innings, Taillon had allowed two baserunners -- on a walk and a hit-by-pitch. He was rolling.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank"></figcaption></figure>"After the first inning, we said jokingly, 'Well he hasn't gotten ahead of anybody and he's on pace to throw 54 pitches,'" manager Clint Hurdle said. "Just a dugout joke, to keep things loose. Then by the fourth inning, I said, 'Well, he's not far off that pace."
Granderson, the Mets' No. 3 hitter, led off the seventh. He ripped a 1-2 curveball toward the right side of the infield.
Shortstop Jordy Mercer dove to his left. Second baseman Josh Harrison dove to his right. The Pirates were in a shift, a measure of precaution for this exact type of scenario.
Mercer lunged first, and then Harrison. Both extended their limbs. Yet the ball sneaked through anyway, leaving the pair of middle infielders sprawled across the field as Granderson reached first base safely.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank"></figcaption></figure>"That was the loudest I've ever heard a stadium be. And that doesn't really bother me," Taillon said. "I kind of had a moment -- I just took a step back and had a rookie moment. It's pretty cool -- I get to be here, I get to have these fans being loud, it doesn't rattle me."
"One of the first comments he made after the game was, 'Pressure is a privilege,'" Hurdle said.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank"></figcaption></figure>Mercer said he turned around and looked at the scoreboard after the play. He noticed both he and Harrison were "half a step" away.
"Sometimes it just doesn't work," Mercer said.
For the first time all night, Citi Field erupted. With a runner on first and only a two-run deficit, the Mets had hope. But then Taillon forced Yoenis Cespedes into a double play and Kelly Johnson into an inning-ending grounder.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank"></figcaption></figure>He gave up another hit in the eighth, before retiring to the dugout for good.
It had been a "whirlwind" week for Taillon. After making his long-awaited Major League debut, he was quickly shuffled back to the Minors. But during Triple-A Indianapolis' game on Sunday, he learned he was coming back up. It had taken him six years after getting drafted to make the Majors.
"It was a long journey. Probably different than I could have imagined, but I'm here now," Taillon said. "I never lost confidence throughout the journey, throughout the six years. I always thought I would get here at some point."
Taillon said he's gotten close to a no-hitter once before. He had one into the sixth inning in Triple-A this year, until the opposing pitcher broke it up. But aside from that?
"Not in the big leagues," Taillon said. "It's a little different up here."
</section>
[FONT=mlb_primary]<header class="cf top" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;">[h=1]Locke takes on Mets looking to bounce back[/h]</header>
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<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 170px 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 729px; background: url("http://ui.bamstatic.com/mlbv2/sections/news2/images/caption-bg.png") 0px 0px repeat;">Locke's solid start1:10
Jeff Locke pitches seven innings and gives up three runs on seven hits while striking out two in his fifth win of the season
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Pirates left-hander Jeff Locke (5-4, 5.38 ERA) will look to rebound from a rough last start when he matches up with Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard (6-2, 2.00 ERA) -- who hasn't lost since May 6 -- on Wednesday night at Citi Field.
Locke surrendered 11 hits and a career-high 11 earned runs in a loss to Colorado on Thursday, which broke a four-game winning streak during which he pitched at least 6 1/3 innings in each start. He tossed a shutout against Miami on May 30.
Syndergaard, who will be making his second consecutive start against the Pirates, owns a 1.41 ERA over his last seven outings, which includes four wins, two no-decisions and one relief appearance. He is coming off a no-decision against Pittsburgh on Wednesday. In six innings, he surrendered seven hits, two walks and three runs (two earned). It lifted his ERA to 2.00 or higher for the first time since May 22.
Things to know about this game
• Syndergaard is winless in two career starts against the Pirates. Over 12 innings, he's 0-1 with a 2.25 ERA. Both appearances came on the road at PNC Park.
• In limited experience against the Mets, Locke has had some success. Yoenis Cespedes is 0-for-4 against him, and Curtis Granderson is 0-for-3.
• Mets manager Terry Collins was back in the dugout Tuesday after a brief health scare in Milwaukee over the weekend.
Joshua Needelman is a reporter for MLB.com based in New York. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
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<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 170px 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 729px; background: url("http://ui.bamstatic.com/mlbv2/sections/news2/images/caption-bg.png") 0px 0px repeat;">Locke's solid start1:10Jeff Locke pitches seven innings and gives up three runs on seven hits while striking out two in his fifth win of the season
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Pirates left-hander Jeff Locke (5-4, 5.38 ERA) will look to rebound from a rough last start when he matches up with Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard (6-2, 2.00 ERA) -- who hasn't lost since May 6 -- on Wednesday night at Citi Field.
Locke surrendered 11 hits and a career-high 11 earned runs in a loss to Colorado on Thursday, which broke a four-game winning streak during which he pitched at least 6 1/3 innings in each start. He tossed a shutout against Miami on May 30.
Syndergaard, who will be making his second consecutive start against the Pirates, owns a 1.41 ERA over his last seven outings, which includes four wins, two no-decisions and one relief appearance. He is coming off a no-decision against Pittsburgh on Wednesday. In six innings, he surrendered seven hits, two walks and three runs (two earned). It lifted his ERA to 2.00 or higher for the first time since May 22.
Things to know about this game
• Syndergaard is winless in two career starts against the Pirates. Over 12 innings, he's 0-1 with a 2.25 ERA. Both appearances came on the road at PNC Park.
• In limited experience against the Mets, Locke has had some success. Yoenis Cespedes is 0-for-4 against him, and Curtis Granderson is 0-for-3.
• Mets manager Terry Collins was back in the dugout Tuesday after a brief health scare in Milwaukee over the weekend.
Joshua Needelman is a reporter for MLB.com based in New York. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
</section>
tough matchup today:
Cubs right-hander Jake Arrieta (10-1, 1.86 ERA) takes the mound against Pirates left-hander Francisco Liriano (4-6, 4.92 ERA).
Arrieta, the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner, has been superb through 13 starts including a no-hitter in April and two wins over the Pirates in May.
Liriano, meanwhile, has had a hard-luck run since May 13 when the Cubs knocked him for eight runs on nine hits in a 9-4 Pirates loss at Wrigley Field. Liriano has five losses in his last six starts, including three straight.
Cubs right-hander Jake Arrieta (10-1, 1.86 ERA) takes the mound against Pirates left-hander Francisco Liriano (4-6, 4.92 ERA).
Arrieta, the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner, has been superb through 13 starts including a no-hitter in April and two wins over the Pirates in May.
Liriano, meanwhile, has had a hard-luck run since May 13 when the Cubs knocked him for eight runs on nine hits in a 9-4 Pirates loss at Wrigley Field. Liriano has five losses in his last six starts, including three straight.
[FONT=mlb_primary]<header class="cf top" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;">Locked in: Pirates snap Giants' win streak
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</figcaption></figure><section class="content cf article-bottom" style="margin: 22px auto 0px; padding: 0px 25px 33px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; max-width: 660px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[FONT=mlb_primary !important]By Adam Berry and Chris Haft / MLB.com | <button class="comment-button" style="margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border: none; vertical-align: bottom; font-family: mlb_primary; font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer; border-radius: 5px; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); background: rgb(255, 255, 255);">+
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PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates skidded into PNC Park early Monday morning after a tough road trip through New York and Chicago. Having lost five straight and 17 of its last 22 games, Pittsburgh was in desperate need of a complete game -- not the type Jeff Locke threw in Miami three weeks ago, but the kind of all-around performance he led in the Bucs' 1-0 win over Madison Bumgarner and the Giants.
After a loss to the Cubs at Wrigley Field on Sunday night, the Pirates fell three games below .500 and 15 behind in the National League Central. Manager Clint Hurdle said the best thing Pittsburgh could do to "shake things up" amid the rough stretch was to put together a game like Monday's -- and it would have to start on the mound. Locke took care of that, firing 6 2/3 innings without allowing a walk, an increasingly rare quality start in a struggling Pirates rotation.
"Hopefully tonight's game can be one of those games we remember for a little while," Locke said. "I thought it was so well-played."
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank">
</figcaption></figure>The erratic lefty had allowed 18 runs over his last two starts on the heels of one of the better four-outing stretches of his career. The turnaround was representative of the Pirates' sudden nosedive in the standings, from nine games above .500 to three under.
"You pull tighter together," Hurdle said. "I shared with the guys: Do you want to believe the first eight weeks of the season or do you want to believe the last three? We can't control what other people believe. I know what we need to believe."
In that spirit, following a players-only meeting Monday afternoon, Locke went out and defeated Bumgarner and the streaking Giants. Locke scattered five hits and struck out three, benefitting from 12 ground-ball outs.
"He was hitting his spots, [changing] speeds," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "He's been really good at times and he was tonight. We didn't muster a lot of good swings off him."
San Francisco had won 27 of its last 35 games and eight in a row entering the series opener at PNC Park, and Bumgarner had not been charged with a loss since April 20 -- a 10-start undefeated streak in which he logged a 1.27 ERA. Bumgarner did not make many mistakes, holding Pittsburgh to five hits over eight innings, but an unlikely candidate capitalized on one miss. Pirates catcher Erik Kratz launched a fifth-inning fastball just over the left-field wall for his first homer of the year and the game's lone run.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Whenever you need me: Given the Pirates rotation's season-long struggles, Hurdle has often been forced to abandon one of his guiding managerial philosophies: Use the bullpen when you want to, not when you have to. That wasn't the case Monday, when Locke's long outing and a one-run lead allowed Hurdle to call upon setup man Neftali Feliz with two outs in the seventh, the tying run on second base and Bumgarner -- who homered off Locke last season -- at the plate. Feliz retired Bumgarner, Tony Watson pitched the eighth and closerMark Melancon picked up his 20th save.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank">
</figcaption></figure>"Not a complete game from the pitcher, but a complete game from the team," Hurdle said. "Your starter gets where you want to get; relievers get the job done and take it from there."
Wall-scraper: Kratz's drive nearly became a home run that wasn't. Left fielder Angel Paganleaped and extended his gloved left hand into the stands in an effort to snare the ball. He appeared to catch it but couldn't hold on. After Pagan hurled his glove to the warning track in frustration, television cameras caught a subdued yet smiling teenager holding the home run ball.
Bumgarner praised Pagan's effort: "That's about as tough a play as an outfielder can make."
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank">
</figcaption></figure>Blundering or bold? After singling to open the ninth inning, Brandon Belt soon was doubled off first base, ending San Francisco's rally before it started. Following Belt's hit,Buster Posey sliced a drive to right that Gregory Polanco caught on the run. When Polanco grabbed the ball, Belt already had reached second base, which sealed his fate.
"I truly thought that [ball] was going to get down," Belt said. "I didn't think there was any way he was catching that ball."
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank">
</figcaption></figure>Posey believed Belt made a defensible gamble.
"It's not a bad play to take chances off an elite closer," Posey said.
QUOTABLE
"That's what everybody's looking for." -- Hurdle on Locke's start
SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS
The Pirates are now 12-5 against the NL West this season, with a 6-1 record at home. Since the start of last season, Pittsburgh is 19-4 against the NL West at PNC Park, with a chance to make it eight straight series victories along the North Shore.
UPON FURTHER REVIEW
After drawing a one-out walk in the seventh, Polanco tried to swipe second base against Bumgarner. But Bumgarner picked off Polanco, and first baseman Belt teamed up with second baseman Joe Panik to tag out Polanco as he slid into second. The Pirates challenged the out call, but replay officials ruled the play would stand after a one-minute, 40-second review.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank">
</figcaption></figure>WHAT'S NEXT
Giants: San Francisco's lineup could look much different in Tuesday's rematch against the Pirates on Tuesday at 4:05 p.m. PT. Center fielder Denard Span should be back in the lineup. Conor Gillaspie likely will be the third baseman for the day, after Matt Duffy went on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left Achilles.
Pirates: Pittsburgh will line up against Johnny Cueto, a familiar foe in a new uniform, at 7:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday night at PNC Park. Cueto is 18-4 with a 2.18 ERA in 28 career starts against the Pirates, though Andrew McCutchen (.302/.389/.587 in 72 plate appearances) has hit him well. The Bucs have not announced their starting pitcher, but it's expected to be Triple-A callup Wilfredo Boscan.
Watch every out-of-market regular-season game live on MLB.TV.
Adam Berry has covered the Pirates for MLB.com since 2015. Follow him on Twitter at@adamdberry.
Chris Haft has covered the Giants since 2005, and for MLB.com since 2007. Follow him on Twitter at @sfgiantsbeat and listen to his podcast.
</section>
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<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 170px 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 926px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank"></figcaption></figure><section class="content cf article-bottom" style="margin: 22px auto 0px; padding: 0px 25px 33px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; max-width: 660px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[FONT=mlb_primary !important]By Adam Berry and Chris Haft / MLB.com | <button class="comment-button" style="margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border: none; vertical-align: bottom; font-family: mlb_primary; font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer; border-radius: 5px; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); background: rgb(255, 255, 255);">+
45 COMMENTS</button>
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PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates skidded into PNC Park early Monday morning after a tough road trip through New York and Chicago. Having lost five straight and 17 of its last 22 games, Pittsburgh was in desperate need of a complete game -- not the type Jeff Locke threw in Miami three weeks ago, but the kind of all-around performance he led in the Bucs' 1-0 win over Madison Bumgarner and the Giants.
After a loss to the Cubs at Wrigley Field on Sunday night, the Pirates fell three games below .500 and 15 behind in the National League Central. Manager Clint Hurdle said the best thing Pittsburgh could do to "shake things up" amid the rough stretch was to put together a game like Monday's -- and it would have to start on the mound. Locke took care of that, firing 6 2/3 innings without allowing a walk, an increasingly rare quality start in a struggling Pirates rotation.
"Hopefully tonight's game can be one of those games we remember for a little while," Locke said. "I thought it was so well-played."
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank"></figcaption></figure>The erratic lefty had allowed 18 runs over his last two starts on the heels of one of the better four-outing stretches of his career. The turnaround was representative of the Pirates' sudden nosedive in the standings, from nine games above .500 to three under.
"You pull tighter together," Hurdle said. "I shared with the guys: Do you want to believe the first eight weeks of the season or do you want to believe the last three? We can't control what other people believe. I know what we need to believe."
In that spirit, following a players-only meeting Monday afternoon, Locke went out and defeated Bumgarner and the streaking Giants. Locke scattered five hits and struck out three, benefitting from 12 ground-ball outs.
"He was hitting his spots, [changing] speeds," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "He's been really good at times and he was tonight. We didn't muster a lot of good swings off him."
San Francisco had won 27 of its last 35 games and eight in a row entering the series opener at PNC Park, and Bumgarner had not been charged with a loss since April 20 -- a 10-start undefeated streak in which he logged a 1.27 ERA. Bumgarner did not make many mistakes, holding Pittsburgh to five hits over eight innings, but an unlikely candidate capitalized on one miss. Pirates catcher Erik Kratz launched a fifth-inning fastball just over the left-field wall for his first homer of the year and the game's lone run.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Whenever you need me: Given the Pirates rotation's season-long struggles, Hurdle has often been forced to abandon one of his guiding managerial philosophies: Use the bullpen when you want to, not when you have to. That wasn't the case Monday, when Locke's long outing and a one-run lead allowed Hurdle to call upon setup man Neftali Feliz with two outs in the seventh, the tying run on second base and Bumgarner -- who homered off Locke last season -- at the plate. Feliz retired Bumgarner, Tony Watson pitched the eighth and closerMark Melancon picked up his 20th save.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank"></figcaption></figure>"Not a complete game from the pitcher, but a complete game from the team," Hurdle said. "Your starter gets where you want to get; relievers get the job done and take it from there."
Wall-scraper: Kratz's drive nearly became a home run that wasn't. Left fielder Angel Paganleaped and extended his gloved left hand into the stands in an effort to snare the ball. He appeared to catch it but couldn't hold on. After Pagan hurled his glove to the warning track in frustration, television cameras caught a subdued yet smiling teenager holding the home run ball.
Bumgarner praised Pagan's effort: "That's about as tough a play as an outfielder can make."
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank"></figcaption></figure>Blundering or bold? After singling to open the ninth inning, Brandon Belt soon was doubled off first base, ending San Francisco's rally before it started. Following Belt's hit,Buster Posey sliced a drive to right that Gregory Polanco caught on the run. When Polanco grabbed the ball, Belt already had reached second base, which sealed his fate.
"I truly thought that [ball] was going to get down," Belt said. "I didn't think there was any way he was catching that ball."
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank"></figcaption></figure>Posey believed Belt made a defensible gamble.
"It's not a bad play to take chances off an elite closer," Posey said.
QUOTABLE
"That's what everybody's looking for." -- Hurdle on Locke's start
SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS
The Pirates are now 12-5 against the NL West this season, with a 6-1 record at home. Since the start of last season, Pittsburgh is 19-4 against the NL West at PNC Park, with a chance to make it eight straight series victories along the North Shore.
UPON FURTHER REVIEW
After drawing a one-out walk in the seventh, Polanco tried to swipe second base against Bumgarner. But Bumgarner picked off Polanco, and first baseman Belt teamed up with second baseman Joe Panik to tag out Polanco as he slid into second. The Pirates challenged the out call, but replay officials ruled the play would stand after a one-minute, 40-second review.
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Giants: San Francisco's lineup could look much different in Tuesday's rematch against the Pirates on Tuesday at 4:05 p.m. PT. Center fielder Denard Span should be back in the lineup. Conor Gillaspie likely will be the third baseman for the day, after Matt Duffy went on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left Achilles.
Pirates: Pittsburgh will line up against Johnny Cueto, a familiar foe in a new uniform, at 7:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday night at PNC Park. Cueto is 18-4 with a 2.18 ERA in 28 career starts against the Pirates, though Andrew McCutchen (.302/.389/.587 in 72 plate appearances) has hit him well. The Bucs have not announced their starting pitcher, but it's expected to be Triple-A callup Wilfredo Boscan.
Watch every out-of-market regular-season game live on MLB.TV.
Adam Berry has covered the Pirates for MLB.com since 2015. Follow him on Twitter at@adamdberry.
Chris Haft has covered the Giants since 2005, and for MLB.com since 2007. Follow him on Twitter at @sfgiantsbeat and listen to his podcast.
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| CENTRAL | W | L | PCT | GB | HOME | ROAD | RS | RA | DIFF | STRK | L10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Cubs | 47 | 21 | .691 | - | 25-9 | 22-12 | 366 | 196 | +170 | L1 | 6-4 |
| St. Louis Cardinals | 36 | 33 | .522 | 11.5 | 15-21 | 21-12 | 363 | 297 | +66 | W1 | 5-5 |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | 34 | 36 | .486 | 14 | 19-15 | 15-21 | 319 | 330 | -11 | W1 | 2-8 |
| Milwaukee Brewers | 31 | 39 | .443 | 17 | 19-17 | 12-22 | 284 | 342 | -58 | L3 | 3-7 |
| Cincinnati Reds | 27 | 43 | .386 | 21 | 17-19 | 10-24 | 301 | 408 | -107 | L2 | 5-5 |
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