Aggressive running ignites Pirates’ rally

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH

Taking the extra base was the key for the Pittsburgh Pirates in completing a three-game sweep of the Colorado Rockies.

Andrew McCutchen hit a tiebreaking single in the seventh inning, Neil Walker followed with a home run and the Pirates overcame a three-run deficit to beat the Rockies 5-3 Sunday.

Walker advanced to second on right fielder Carlos Gonzalez’s throw following his second-inning single. Jordy Mercer stole second in the sixth inning, and Josh Harrison swiped second in the seventh.

All three wound up scoring.

“We’re going to be aggressive,” Walker said. “We’re going to get thrown out. We’re going to look stupid at times, but at the same time we’re going to make aggressive plays that lead to runs.”

With the score 3-all, Matt Belisle (2-6) relieved and Harrison worked out a seven-pitch walk leading off the seventh. Harrison stole second and scored on a single by McCutchen, who then was caught stealing second. Walker followed with his 14th homer.

“Today was amateur, as far as what not to do,” said Belisle, who got just two outs.

Pittsburgh took the lead against Colorado’s bullpen for the third straight day.

“You’ve got to be a able to put games away, and it’s frustrating,” Colorado manager Walt Weiss said.

Jeanmar Gomez (2-2) pitched a one-hit seventh, All-Star Tony Watson struck out two in a perfect eighth and Mark Melancon pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his 18th save in 21 chances.

Pittsburgh has two series sweeps this month after failing to sweep any during the first three months of the season. The Pirates took three in a row at home against Philadelphia from July 4-6.

Pirates starter Jeff Locke gave up three runs and seven hits in six innings, and Rockies starter Tyler Matzek allowed three runs, seven hits and three walks in six innings. The rookie struck out a career-high eight.

Pittsburgh had come from behind in 25 of its 52 wins.