Padres 3, Pirates 2
Ian Kennedy won his third consecutive start as host San Diego salvaged the finale of a three-game set with Pittsburgh despite having just one hit.
Everth Cabrera’s first-inning bunt single was the lone hit as the Padres halted a three-game losing streak. San Diego batters drew nine walks and another was hit by a pitch in producing the peculiar victory.
Kennedy (5-6) allowed two runs and five hits in six innings and struck out seven before the bullpen combined for three shutout innings. Huston Street allowed a one-out single in the ninth to Pedro Alvarez before retiring the final two batters to improve to 18-for-18 in save opportunities.
Cabrera’s bunt single helped fuel a two-run first inning against Pirates starter Francisco Liriano (1-6). The runs scored on Carlos Quentin’s sacrifice fly to shallow right and on a throwing error to first by Josh Harrison on a potential inning-ending double play.
Andrew McCutchen sent a blast into the left-field bleachers in the fourth to get Pittsburgh on the board. Liriano walked four batters in the bottom of the fourth – including Chris Denorfia with the bases loaded – and Pittsburgh got back within 3-2 in the fifth on Harrison’s double into the gap in left-center field.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Liriano allowed three runs (two earned) and the bunt single in five innings but walked six and hit one batter while striking out seven. … San Diego didn’t hit a ball that was touched by an outfielder until C Rene Rivera flied to center to end the eighth. … Pirates SS Jordy Mercer went 1-for-4 and is 9-for-17 over the last four games.