NL roundup: Woeful Pirates delay Los Angeles' quest

Associated Press

Published: Friday, Sept. 25, 2009 11:14 p.m. MDT

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PITTSBURGH — Brandon Moss' two-run single gave Pittsburgh an early lead and the Pirates, stuck in their worst slump since 1984, used five pitchers to beat Los Angeles 3-1 on Friday night, stalling the Dodgers' drive to the playoffs.

The Dodgers, who own the NL's best record at 92-62, could have secured their third playoff appearance in four seasons with a win or a Braves loss, but Atlanta beat Washington 4-1 to stay in the wild-card race for at least one more day.

The Dodgers' magic number for repeating as the NL West champion remained at four, partly because they are only 2-2 this week against the majors' two worst clubs, the Nationals and Pirates.

Los Angeles had won 11 of 15 and the Pirates — long since assured of a record 17th consecutive losing season — had lost nine of 10, but two costly infield errors by the Dodgers led to all of Pittsburgh's scoring. Despite winning, the Pirates have lost 23 of 27 during their worst slide since they dropped 24 of 28 from July 13-Aug. 15, 1985.

Right-hander Jon Garland (11-12) lost for the first time in four decisions since being traded to the Dodgers, giving up three runs and six hits in six innings. Garland was 3-0 with a 2.33 ERA in his first four starts with Los Angeles, beating the Pirates 6-2 on Sept. 14.

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With right-hander Ross Ohlendorf shut down for the season because he has pitched 176 2-3 innings, manager John Russell used five pitchers from his bullpen to beat the Dodgers in Pittsburgh for only the eighth time in 31 games since PNC Park opened in 2001.

ROCKIES 2, CARDINALS 1: At Denver, Yorvit Torrealba's sacrifice fly scored Troy Tulowitzki from third base with the winning run in the bottom of the ninth and the Colorado Rockies edged St. Louis.

BRAVES 4, NATIONALS 1: At Washington, Javier Vazquez allowed a run and three hits in his third complete game of the season, leading Atlanta past Washington. His performance enabled the Braves, who started play 3.5 games behind Colorado for the NL wild card, to keep their flickering playoff hopes alive. Atlanta has won four straight and 12 of 14.

METS 6, MARLINS 5: At Miami, pinch-hitter Cory Sullivan delivered a go-ahead, two-run single in the ninth inning for New York. Florida spoiled the Mets' postseason chances in each of the last two seasons but it was New York dealing out a damaging loss this year.