Adames’ first HR powers Rockies over Pirates

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH

Christian Adames’ first career homer capped a four-run ninth inning as the Colorado Rockies rallied to beat closer Mark Melancon and the Pirates 5-1 on Saturday, ending their eight-game losing streak against Pittsburgh.

Adames’ two-run shot to straightaway center field came after Tony Wolters singled off Melancon (0-1) to snap a 1-1 tie and another run scored on first baseman John Jaso’s error. Melancon came on to start the ninth and was charged with three unearned runs in tw-thirds of an inning.

Adames, a rookie infielder, entered the game at second base in the eighth inning as part of a double switch and homered off Jared Hughes in his 115th career plate appearance.

Rookie reliever Carlos Estevez (1-1) pitched 11/3 scoreless inning for his first major league win as the Rockies snapped a three-game overall losing streak.

Tyler Chatwood broke the Rockies’ franchise record for consecutive scoreless innings on the road by running his streak to 272/3 innings before Jordy Mercer’s two-out single in the fourth tied the score at 1-1. The previous record was 27 innings by Ubaldo Jimenez in 2010.

It was the only run Chatwood allowed over six innings. He gave up six hits while walking two and striking out two.

Pirates left-hander Jon Niese gave up only one run on four hits in seven innings while recording his third quality start after having just two in his first six outings.