Pirates Outlast Diamondbacks 12-10 In 13 Innings

The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 12-10 in 13 innings in Phoenix on Sunday thanks to tie-breaking, back-to-back doubles from Josh Harrison and Sean Rodriguez, as well as an RBI single from pinch-hitting pitcher Jonathon Niese to drive in Rodriguez.

Pirates Outlast Diamondbacks 12-10 In 13 Innings

“That was top-five crazy,” marveled Pirates manager Clint Hurdle. 

Pittsburgh took a four-run lead into the eighth inning. Their closer then went out to protect a two-run edge in the ninth, and then they went up by two runs again in the 12th.

However, the Diamondbacks seemed to rally and catch up at every turn until the Pirates secured their victory in the 13th after 35 hits, 43 players and 510 pitches in total.

“We never give up,” said left-hander Francisco Liriano, who played the first six innings and left with an 8-4 lead. “A crazy game, but we got the win at the end, and that’s all that matters.”

Arquimedes Caminero got the final three outs. He fired a 97 mph fastball past pitcher Patrick Corbin, who pinch-hit for reliever Evan Marshall (0-1). Caminero then finished off the game by whiffing pitcher Shelby Miller, who played an inning in left field because the diamondbacks ran out of position players.

Base-running blunders and a weakening bullpen ultimately stymied the Pirates. Nevertheless, they persevered. Andrew McCutchen ended up tying his career high with four strikeouts.

“You’re not just proud of your guys when they do well,” Hurdle said. “You need to be proud of them when they handle challenges.”

And there certainly were plenty of challenges for the Pirates on Sunday.

Neftali Feliz (1-0) put two runners on in the bottom of the inning, including a pinch-hit infield single by pitcher Zack Greinke. David Peralta then mashed an RBI double to center.

The Diamondbacks’ Jean Segura then singled on an 0-2 pitch. Pinch-runner Miller scored to tie the game at 10, and Peralta raced to third.

Finally, with the potential winning run on third, Feliz struck out Brandon Drury and Yasmany Tomas. 

PHOENIX, AZ – APRIL 24: Infielder Jake Lamb #22 of the Arizona Diamondbacks tags out Francisco Cervelli #29 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in a run-down during the MLB game at Chase Field on April 24, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Pirates defeated the Diamondbacks 12-10 in 13 innings. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)