Bucs lose Rodriguez, then lose game

Associated Press

ATLANTA

The Pirates have lost three straight and five of six and suddenly have to worry about the status of Wandy Rodriguez.

Manager Clint Hurdle said it’s a good time to remember that even after being swept by Atlanta, Pittsburgh is in good position in the NL Central.

Rodriguez recorded only one out before leaving the game with an injury as Pittsburgh, held without a hit for 72/3 innings, lost to Julio Teheran and the Braves 5-0 on Wednesday. The Pirates finished with one hit.

“With everything that’s gone on, we’re going to walk out of here and we’re 10 games over .500,” Hurdle said.

“We’ve just got to continue to keep playing.”

Now the big question is Rodriguez’s health.

Rodriguez (6-4) left the game with tightness in his left forearm. The left-hander pointed to his forearm when visited by Hurdle and a trainer. After a brief discussion on the mound, Rodriguez was removed from the game.

Instead of accompanying the team to Chicago for a series against the Cubs, Rodriguez returned to Pittsburgh to be examined.

It was the second time in four days a Pirates starter lasted no longer than an inning.

Jeanmar Gomez left Sunday’s start against the Reds after one inning and was placed on the 15-day disabled list with an inflamed and strained right forearm.

“Adversity’s going to knock on your door throughout the season,” Hurdle said.

Rodriguez gave up two hits and a run and hit Freddie Freeman with his 14th and final pitch.

Teheran combined with David Carpenter for a one-hit shutout.

Pinch-hitter Brandon Inge broke up Teheran’s no-hit bid by hitting a fastball for a single to left field with two outs in the eighth.

“The thing is, for someone like me sitting across on the other side, sitting for eight innings, I basically get to scout him for eight innings,” Inge said.

“I couldn’t see exactly what he was throwing, but I could see what he was getting guys out with. It was just a great game he pitched. ... I tip my hat to him. He did an excellent job. Handled it well, too.”

Tehran (4-2) gave up one hit with two walks and set a career high with 11 strikeouts in eight innings.