1989 Topps #74 Nick Leyva

Pirates 2, Phillies 1 (12 Innings)
Game 57 - Friday Night, June 3rd in Pittsburgh

One Sentence Summary:  A quiet offense managed just six singles off Pirates pitching (two of which came from pitcher Cole Hamels) as the Pirates downed the Phillies in extras, 2-1.

What It Means:  Sadly, the offense has decided to slumber again.  Over the last three games, the Phillies have scored four runs.  Their record drops to 34-23 and since the Marlins also lost, they maintain a two game lead in the division.

What Went Wrong:  The Phils couldn't get anything going against Pirates starting pitcher Jeff Karstens who allowed just a run on four hits in his seven innings of work.  The Pirates put runners in scoring position in the 9th, 10th and 11th innings before finally pushing across a run against Danys Baez (1-3) in the 12th.

Hamels pitched well, giving up just one hit and three walks in his eight innings of work.  His one gaffe came in the sixth when he walked the lead-off batter, Ronny Cedeno.  Cedeno advanced to second on a sac bunt, moved to third on a Hamels wild pitch and came home on a Jose Tabata sac fly.

Featured Card:  When Xavier Paul came home to score the winning run on Tabata's single off Chase Utley's glove in the 12th, it was Pirates third base coach Nick Leyva waving him home.  Of course Leyva is better known in these parts as the manager of the Phillies from 1989 until early in the 1991 season.  (Also known as the Sil Campusano Era.)

Transaction:  Prior to the game, Shane Victorino was activated from the disabled list and John Mayberry, Jr. was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.