PITTSBURGH -- The Padres offense strung together nine hits and two multi-run rallies Thursday night in Pittsburgh. Their pitching staff wasn't flawless, but it was certainly serviceable enough.
It was the defense -- which has been excellent for most of the season -- that let the Padres down in a series-opening 5-4 loss to the Pirates at PNC Park. Two misplays at two critical moments made the difference.
The Pirates plated the go-ahead run in the seventh when third baseman Christian Villanueva booted a routine grounder with two outs.