Early deficit dooms Pirates in loss at Arizona

Associated Press

PHOENIX

Down in a big early hole, Pittsburgh fought back, throwing almost the entire roster at the Arizona Diamondbacks.

But, just like they have for most of a miserable second half of the season, the Pirates came up just short.

Down seven runs after three innings, the Pirates chipped away at Arizona’s lead before falling short in an 8-5 loss to the NL West-leading Diamondbacks on Wednesday.

“The attitude and the effort has been there all year,” Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. “They are playing the game to win, whether it is September 21 or April 21, that hasn’t changed. The execution has been problematic the last 50 games.”

Pittsburgh’s problems started right away.

Starter Russ Ohlendorf (1-3) was shaky almost from the first pitch, giving up three runs in the first inning before being chased after three straight singles and a walk in the third. He gave up seven runs on seven hits.

With Hurdle trying 15 different position players and six pitchers, Pittsburgh took small pieces of Arizona’s lead in the later innings.

Derrick Lee homered and had two RBIs, Ryan Ludwick had a solo shot and the Pirates scored another run in the seventh on a wild pitch by Bryan Shaw. Jason Jaramillo had a run-scoring double in the eighth off Brad Ziegler, but Joe Patterson got Ryan Doumit to ground out with two on to end the threat.

“We battled back and were able to get the tying run at the plate,” Hurdle said.

It just wasn’t enough to stop the aggressive Diamondbacks, who are ready to snatch the NL West crown.

A day after stranding 11 runners in a loss to Pittsburgh, the Diamondbacks put pressure on the Pirates from the start, setting a team record with four stolen bases in the three-run first inning.

Miguel Montero hit a homer for the first of his three hits and Arizona tacked on five more runs in the third.