Motivated Pierzynski delivers
A.J. Pierzynski hit a tiebreaking two-run single and also had a triple among his three hits in the Giants' 6-3 win over the Florida Marlins yesterday at San Francisco.
Pierzynski was criticized anonymously by several teammates in recent days for his work ethic, and comments showed up in a local newspaper Friday. It appears to have motivated the fiery catcher, who pumped his fist when he stepped on first base following his seventh-inning single.
Jason Schmidt (2-2) struck out nine in seven innings and earned his second win of the week. Matt Herges got four outs for his ninth save in 10 chances.
Rockies, 3-2; Braves, 11-7 -- Johnny Estrada and Jesse Garcia each hit two-run singles in Atlanta's six-run eighth inning, and the Braves earned a doubleheader split at Colorado. Trailing, 7-5, the Braves loaded the bases and Estrada hit a two-run single with two outs off Vladimir Nunez. Adam LaRoche followed with a walk to load the bases again, and Garcia hit a two-run single to give Atlanta a 9-7 lead. Nunez (3-1) won the first game when Colorado's Mark Sweeney hit a sacrifice fly in the eighth inning, but took the loss in the nightcap.Astros 10, Reds 4 -- Jeff Kent drove in four runs and Houston had 16 hits in a rout of visiting Cincinnati. Richard Hidalgo went 3 for 4 with three RBIs, and Wade Miller allowed three runs on two hits over six innings in the Astros' third straight win.
Cubs 4, Cardinals 2 -- Matt Clement worked eight strong innings and Aramis Ramirez hit a three-run home run for visiting Chicago. Clement (4-1) allowed five hits and one run with five strikeouts and one walk, winning his fourth straight start.
Diamondbacks 6, Phillies 4 -- Pinch hitter Carlos Baerga hit a go-ahead, three-run homer in the sixth inning to make Randy Johnson a winner in Philadelphia. Johnson (3-2) allowed three runs -- one earned -- and four hits in five innings to win his second straight start.
Danny Bautista went 0 for 3 with two sacrifice flies, ending his 21-game hitting streak for the Diamondbacks.
Pirates 8, Brewers 7 -- Craig Wilson hit an RBI double in the 10th inning to lead Pittsburgh over host Milwaukee. Jason Kendall led off the inning with a single off Luis Vizcaino (0-1) and stole second and third. With two outs, Wilson lined a double to center field to score Kendall. Dodgers 5, Expos 4 -- Adrian Beltre hit a pair of solo homers off Livan Hernandez and singled home the go-ahead run in the eighth, giving host Los Angeles a victory over Montreal.Padres 3, Mets 1 -- Brian Giles hit a two-run homer to lead surging San Diego past visiting New York.San Diego has won six straight and 10 of 12, including four consecutive come-from-behind wins.
