The inexplicable dominance of the San Diego Padres over the Pittsburgh Pirates in the Pirates' home park ended in dramatic fashion tonight with a 3-2 Pirates win. By taking the first two games in this three-game series, the Pirates ensured their first-ever series win over the Padres at PNC Park. The hard-earned win on a stormy, muggy July evening moved the Pirates to within four and a half games of the suddenly mortal St. Louis Cardinals, who spent the day losing a day-night doubleheader to the Chicago Cubs.
Starting pitcher Francisco Liriano was sharp in the first two innings, giving up only one hit to Will Middlebrooks and ably supported by a couple of nice plays at third by Jung-Ho Kang.