The Dodgers got seven strong innings from Hiroki Kuroda Wednesday night as they beat the Pirates 2-0 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. Kuroda allowed just three hits and three walks in seven scoreless innings, striking out a season-high eight batters, picking up his fourth win of the season. The Dodgers won consecutive games for the first time since April 27-29.
Just like Tuesday night, the Dodgers waited until the sixth inning to score. They loaded the bases with nobody out off Paul Maholm, but then Juan Uribe grounded into a double play to shortstop. The play scored one run but appeared to end the rally. Until Jerry Sands delivered an RBI double, that is. Pirates' manager Clint Hurdle elected to walk Rod Barajas and his .282 on-base percentage to face the rookie Sands, and paid the price. Sands' double made the game 2-0, which concluded the scoring.
Matt Kemp reached base three times for the Dodgers and stole his 12th base of the season. Matt Guerrier, who picked up his first major league walk and RBI Tuesday night, pitched a scoreless eighth inning tonight, setting up Vicente Padilla, who pitched a scoreless ninth inning for his third save in as many opportunities.
For more news and information on the Dodgers, or on tonight's game, be sure to read the SB Nation blog True Blue LA.