Pirates hurt by long ball
PHOENIX — Caleb Smith pitched 6 2/3 stellar innings, Eduardo Escobar hit a two-run homer for the second straight game and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-2 on Monday night.
Tuesday night’s game ended too late for presstime.
Monday was a nice bounce-back outing for Smith (3-6), who was rocked for nine earned runs in one inning during a 22-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers just before the All-Star break. The left-hander even earned his first career stolen base, surprising the Pirates by getting a huge jump and swiping second.
“Swiping bags like it’s my job,” Smith said grinning.
D-backs manager Torey Lovullo was more impressed with Smith’s performance on the mound, which was the fourth straight good outing for the team’s starting pitchers. It’s been a rare good sign for a team that has the worst record in the majors at 28-68.
“Fantastic job,” Lovullo said. “It was a great mixture of pitches, quick early outs.”
Smith gave up two runs on six hits and two walks while striking out seven. Joakim Soria allowed two baserunners but pitched a scoreless ninth for his fifth save.
Escobar — who was the D-backs’ only All-Star representative last week — continued his solid season by ripping a low liner over the right-field wall for his 22nd homer to make it 4-0. The 32-year-old will be a tempting addition for a playoff-contending team as MLB’s trade deadline approaches. He’s in the final year of his contract, plays multiple positions and is a switch hitter.
Arizona’s David Peralta added a double and triple. Escobar’s homer and Peralta’s extra-base hits came after the two had a heated argument following the third inning. Peralta said the argument wasn’t a big deal and a simple misunderstanding.
“They’re two fiercely passionate athletes that care an unbelieveable amount about winning baseball games,” Lovullo said.
Chase De Jong (1-4) took the loss, giving up four runs over five innings, including three homers.
