Pirates lose eighth straight

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH

Chase Headley’s grand slam highlighted San Diego’s first four-homer game of the season, and the Padres cruised past Pittsburgh 15-5 Friday night, handing the Pirates their eighth straight loss.

Headley’s shot to right-center capped a six-run fourth inning and was the Padres’ first grand slam of the season. Kyle Blanks, Aaron Cunningham and Jesus Guzman also homered for the Padres, who have won seven consecutive and 12 of their last 14 at PNC Park.

Will Venable had three hits, two runs and two RBIs, Cameron Maybin added three hits and scored two runs and Luis Martinez had three RBIs for San Diego, which came in ranked last in the NL in runs and homers and hadn’t hit four home runs in a game since July 17, 2010.

The Pirates were tied for first place before losing on a controversial call in the 19th inning in Atlanta on July 26. They are 1-10 since.

The 15 runs were a season high for the Padres and the most Pittsburgh has allowed this season.

Headley’s homer gave San Diego the lead for good, allowing Aaron Haring (10-3) to get the win despite allowing 13 hits in five innings.

The crowd was a sellout, the Pirates’ 13th of the season. But the 37,766 on hand saw Pittsburgh lose for the eighth time in its past nine home games. The Pirates have allowed 14 home runs in falling to 0-5 on this homestand.

Jeff Karstens (8-6) entered the game with the fifth-lowest ERA in the majors at 2.49, but he was charged with more earned runs (nine) in 31/3 innings Friday than he had allowed in his past five starts combined.

The final two batters Karstens faced were a bases-loaded walk to Jason Bartlett and Headley’s homer on the first pitch. It was Headley’s fourth of the season, gave him a career-high five RBIs and was San Diego’s first grand slam since Adrian Gonzalez on Aug. 26, 2010.

Blanks and Cunningham each hit his first home run of the season, both solo shots. Guzman added a two-run homer in the eighth. The Padres hadn’t homered three times in a game since May 3 against the Pirates.

It all added up to more than enough offense for Harang to win for the sixth time in seven decisions. Only once in 252 previous starts, however, had Harang allowed more hits.