Justin Masterson eked out five innings, somehow allowing just two runs (and one of them came as the result of a throwing error). Justin allowed three straight hits with one out in the first, leading to a 1-0 deficit and runners on first and third. Matt Diaz then hit a grounder up the middle; Asdrubal Cabrera got to it, flipped it to Cord Phelps, but Phelps threw high due to Garrett Jones sliding high into second base, and a second run scored. Jones was running on the play, so it wasn't an easy turn, but it was doable.
The Indians would tie the game in the second on a Carlos Santana home run and, later, on a Lou Marson double play. That's how the score would stay until the bottom of the eleventh.
I mentioned above that Masterson went just five innings (and that was with him throwing well over 100 pitches). That meant the bullpen went six full innings without allowing a run. Every reliever save Frank Herrmann pitched, and most of them went an inning. As the game reached extra innings, the Pirates had a distinct edge, as their starter (Jeff Kartsens) went seven innings, and they still had most of their bullpen available.
Asdrubal Cabrera helped out with a great defensive play in the tenth. Brandon Wood hit a sinking liner towards the hole; Asdrubal went back on the ball, grabbed it with his bare hand, and in one motion, threw a strike to nab Wood at first base. Both portions of the play were outstanding, but I think the throw was the more impressive part, as Asdrubal didn't have time to double-clutch.
Cord Phelps ended the game in the eleventh with his first major-league home run. With a runner on second, the Pirates elected to intentionally walk Carlos Santana, but Phelps made them pay, jumping on a mistake over the plate.
Highest WPA | Lowest WPA | ||
Phelps | .250 | Marson | -.260 |
Santana | .218 | A. Cabrera | -.152 |
Smith | .188 | Sizemore | -.130 |