Pirates rally against Nick Anderson in 7th to retake lead, clinch series

The Pittsburgh Pirates attacked Marlins reliever Nick Anderson in the seventh inning, scoring two runs on three hits, including a go-ahead RBI double from Josh Bell, to clinch the three-game series win, 5-4.

Sandy Alcantara has been lights out on the mound at Marlins Park as of late, allowing just one earned run in his previous 20 innings there. He was solid again Sunday afternoon on a rainy Father’s Day (roof was closed, of course).

The contest remained scoreless until the top of the fourth, when the seventh hitter in Pittsburgh’s order, Jung Ho Kang, ripped a two-out, two-run double down the left field line, bringing home Bell and Colin Moran.

In six innings of work, Alcantara coughed up three runs, walked two batters and struck out six.

Chris Archer was cruising along until Miami jumped on the righty in the home half of the fourth. The first two men reached base: a leadoff opposite-field double from Garrett Cooper—extending his hitting streak to nine games—and a walk to Brian Anderson. Harold Ramírez, with two on and one down, mustered a three-run shot into The Clevelander, putting the Marlins ahead, 3-2.

It was Ramirez’s first homer since May 21 against the Detroit Tigers. He finished 2-for-4 Sunday.

A critical moment occurred later in that frame. The red-hot Cooper came up again with Miami leading 4-2, the bases loaded and two outs. He drilled a fly ball 346 feet deep to right that was caught on the warning track to limit the damage—so close to a grand slam.

Overall, Archer stared down Marlins hitters for five innings, allowing four runs on seven hits, while punching out seven.

Pittsburgh’s bullpen prevented Miami from tying the ballgame. Richard Rodriguez, Kyle Crick and Felipe Vázquez tossed four scoreless frames. Miami’s Tayron Guerrero and Wei-Yin Chen each pitched one perfect inning.

The losing pitcher in this contest, Anderson had been thriving during the first two weeks of June. Frustrating step back for the rookie right-hander.

The Marlins finished their nine-game, 10-day homestand a frustrating 2-7. They dropped two of three to the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates. Atlanta swept Miami last weekend.

At 25-44, the Marlins will embark on a seven-game road trip, opening a four-game set against the St. Louis Cardinals, then a three-game weekend series against Philadelphia. Elieser Hernandez will make his second start of the season, filling in for lefty Caleb Smith, who is recovering from left hip inflammation. Hernandez faced the Cardinals on June 11, tossing 5 ²⁄₃ innings, allowing three runs on five hits, striking out seven. St. Louis will throw out Miles Mikolas, who took a loss against Miami on June 12. First pitch is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET.

Pirates vs. Marlins box score (Baseball Theater)

Fish Picks answer key

1. Alcantara
2. Over
3. Over
4. Yes
5. Pirates