Fansided

Francisco Liriano throws one-hitter, still loses to San Diego Padres

By Mike Marteny

May 30, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Francisco Liriano (47) throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning during the game at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
May 30, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Francisco Liriano (47) throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning during the game at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Pittsburgh Pirates one-hit the San Diego Padres tonight, and still lost.  San Diego escaped with a 3-2 victory at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.

The Pirates used four pitchers in the game. Francisco Liriano started, follow by  Jared Hughes, Tony Watson, and Mark Melancon.  The only hit was a bunt single by Everth Cabrera with no one out in the first inning.

So, how does a team only give up one hit and lose the game?  By a score of 3-2, no less?  Well, the Padres drew nine walks in the first seven innings, including four in the fourth frame alone.  They also got a free baserunner when Liriano plunked Carlos Quentin in the first.

The damage began early when Liriano walked Chris Denorfia to open the game.  Denorfia stole second, and advanced to third on Cabrera’s bunt single.  A sacrifice fly plated the first run.  A hit batsmen, a fielders choice, and an error later, the Padres found themselves up 2-0 at he end of the first inning.

The Padres scored their other run in the fourth inning after Liriano walked the bases loaded – then walked Chris Denorfia.

Liriano is no stranger to issuing walks.  He issued six of them in his no hitter back in 2011.  Coincidentally, he also walked six tonight.  Four of them just happened to be in the same inning.

Liriano has now issued 36 walks in his 13 starts this season.  His WHIP is very high at 1.47 on the year, and does not seem to be getting any better.

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