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Walker’s 5 hits, Barmes’ slam power Pirates
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Pittsburgh Pirates’ Neil Walker hits a single in the first inning of a game against the San Diego Padres on Sunday in Pittsburgh. Walker went 5-for-5, driving in two runs and scoring two runs as the Pirates won 11-5.
Associated Press
PITTSBURGH
At the end of his memorable day, second baseman Neil Walker was much more interested in talking about his double-play partner.
Shortstop Clint Barmes’ first career grand slam keyed a nine-run fourth inning and Walker went 5 for 5 as the Pittsburgh Pirates rallied past the San Diego Padres 11-5 on Sunday.
“He’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever had,” Walker said. “He’s helped me a lot and he has helped this team a lot by playing great defense. It was good to see him come up with the big hit.”
Walker homered and doubled as the Pirates overcame an early 5-0 deficit and ended San Diego’s six-game winning streak. The Padres had won 11 in a row at Pittsburgh dating to 2009.
Andrew McCutchen and Michael McKenry each drove in two runs during the big inning against Ross Ohlendrorf (4-3) and Cory Burns. Barmes, a 10-year veteran, has 88 career home runs.
“It was the biggest home run of my career,” Barmes said. “I’ve never hit a grand slam before and it came in a big situation when we needed something big to happen. If felt good, really good. I was excited.”
Walker had the third five-hit game of his career and second this season, the other coming July 8 against San Francisco.
However, Walker was much happier for Barmes, who has struggled offensively all season after signing a $10.5-million, two-year contract in the offseason as a free agent. He is hitting just .217 after going 2 for 5.