Pittsburgh Pirates and first postseason win since 1992
The Pittsburgh Pirates got a taste of October baseball and they want more.
Led by starting pitcher Francisco Liriano, who pitched seven strong innings, and powered by two home runs by Russell Martin, the Pirates cruised to a 6:2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds and will move on to St. Louis to start a five game series on Thursday.
The Pirates rattled Reds starter Johnny Cueto early and chased him from the game in the fourth inning after building a 3:1 lead. Marlon Byrd got things going in the second inning with solo home run and Martin soon followed with his first of the game.
Pittsburgh’s fans showed up in full force for their first playoff game in 21 seasons. They were loud and boisterous throughout, and will get to see at least one more October game this season.
Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Pittsburgh Pirates went 21 years between playoff games. The wait will be significantly shorter this time around.
Russell Martin homered twice, Francisco Liriano was dominant for seven innings and the Pirates roared past Cincinnati for a 6:2 victory in the National League wild-card game Tuesday night.
In front of a black-clad crowd savoring its first postseason game since 1992, Marlon Byrd also connected and Andrew McCutchen had two hits and reached base four times for Pittsburgh.
“We’re for real” – McCutchen said. “We’re definitely for real.”
Liriano scattered four hits for the Pirates, who will face St. Louis in Game 1 of the NL Division Series on Thursday. Liriano struck out five and walked one to win the first playoff game of his career.
“We didn’t talk about one-and-done; we talked about one and run” – Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. “Win one and run to St. Louis.”
Francisco Liriano showed up at PNC Park on Tuesday afternoon in a suit with his suitcase packed for a trip St. Louis.
The message reverberated through the Pittsburgh Pirates clubhouse. After 21 years away from the playoffs, it was time for the best story in baseball to become something more than a novelty act.
Liriano tossed seven dominant innings and the Pirates roared past Cincinnati 6:2 in the NL wild-card game Tuesday night then headed to St. Louis for the NL division series beginning Thursday. A.J. Burnett will start for the Pirates in Game 1 against Cardinals ace Adam Wainwright.
“He had the expectancy to win” – Pittsburgh centerfielder Andrew McCutchen said. “When he showed up with his suit on, that got me hyped up.”
St. Louis likely won’t face Liriano until Game 3 at the earliest, though Liriano’s teammates believe his performance set the tone for what they hope is an extended October stay.