PITTSBURGH — Pedro Alvarez is usually in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ lineup every day because of his bat.
Alvarez scored on a slide in the second inning for the game’s only run and turned in a couple of defensive gems to help the Pirates to a 1-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Friday night.
“I try to be ready every time on defense and anticipate the ball being hit to me,” Alvarez said. “Like I’ve said before, I take a lot of pride in my defense.”
A.J. Burnett (Central Arkansas Christian) and four relievers sent the Cubs to their 10th consecutive loss by surviving on a night the Pirates allowed 10 hits.
Burnett (3-2) gave up 6 hits, struck out 6 and walked 2 over 5 1/3 innings and the bullpen made it stand up as Pittsburgh extended Chicago starter Ryan Dempster’s streak. Joel Hanrahan worked out of a two-on, one-out jam in the ninth for his 11th save.
Dempster (0-3) remains winless since last August, surrendering 1 run and 7 hits in 7 1/3 innings, striking out 6 and walking 1 while dropping his ERA to 2.14. The Cubs have scored just 16 runs in Dempster’s eight starts this season.
Chicago left 11 runners on base and went 0 for 12 with runners in scoring position. Pittsburgh wasn’t much better but only needed Rod Barajas’ RBI single that scored Alvarez to beat the Cubs.
“It’s unbelievable,” Chicago Manager Dale Sveum said. “We out hit the opponent every night and can’t score. We can’t seem to get that hit with men in scoring position.”
The Cubs started the season 13-11 but have sunk to the bottom of the NL Central. They have scored just four runs in their past 56 innings.
PHILLIES 5, CARDINALS 3
Hunter Pence hit a two-run home run in the 10th inning off Jason Motte and Philadelphia beat host St. Louis. Cliff Lee (Benton, Arkansas Razorbacks) pitched 7 innings, allowing 8 hits and 3 earned runs, walking 3 and striking out 7.
ROCKIES 6, REDS 3
Todd Helton homered and drove in three runs as Colorado beat host Cincinnati.
METS 6, PADRES 1
Dillon Gee struck out a career-high nine and scored the go-ahead run to lead host New York over San Diego.
MARLINS 7, GIANTS 6
Chris Coghlan hit tie-breaking three-run home run off Tim Lincecum in the sixth inning and host Miami beat San Francisco.
NATIONALS 7, BRAVES 4
Rick Ankiel hit a two-run triple and Ryan Zimmerman added a three-run double in the seventh as Washington beat host Atlanta.
American League TIGERS 10, TWINS 6
Prince Fielder had three hits and two RBI and Detroit beat host Minnesota. Drew Smyly (Little Rock Central, Arkansas Razorbacks) gave up 4 runs - 3 earned - on 6 hits in 5 innings to earn the victory.
ORIOLES 8, ROYALS 2
Jason Hammel pitched six shutout innings, Chris Davis homered and drove in three runs and host Baltimore beat Kansas City.
RAYS 7, RED SOX 4
Matt Joyce hit his second grand slam in six games and Elliot Johnson had a two-run home run to lift Tampa Bay over host Boston.
WHITE SOX 9, INDIANS 3
Adam Dunn hit his 15th home run, A.J. Pierzynski and Dayan Viciedo each added home runs and host Chicago beat Cleveland.
RANGERS 14, BLUE JAYS 3
Nelson Cruz hit a grand slam and tied his career high with eight RBI, Josh Hamilton hit his 19th home run and host Texas beat Toronto.
Friday’s games NATIONAL LEAGUE
Pittsburgh 1, Chicago Cubs 0 Colorado 6, Cincinnati 3 NY Mets 6, San Diego 1 Miami 7, San Francisco 6 Washington 7, Atlanta 4 Philadelphia 5, St. Louis 3, 10 innings Milwaukee at Arizona, (n) Houston at LA Dodgers, (n)
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Baltimore 8, Kansas City 2 Tampa Bay 7, Boston 4 Texas 14, Toronto 3 Chicago White Sox 9, Cleveland 3 Detroit 10, Minnesota 6 NY Yankees at Oakland, (n) LA Angels at Seattle, (n)
Sports, Pages 24 on 05/26/2012