A six-run sixth inning helped propel the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 10-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers in the Bucs' first interleague matchup of the season Friday night.
Neil Walker had a two-run double in the sixth and a three-run homer in the eighth, on the night before he was honored with a bobblehead giveaway. (UPDATE: And, to be clear, his bobblehead night is Saturday, not Friday. My mistake.) The Pirates also got a two-run double by Garrett Jones and a solo homer by Lyle Overbay.
Jeff Karstens was perfect through 4.2 innings before allowing a bloop single to Andy Dirks. Karstens left the game after six innings of work, allowing three hits and one run (on a solo homer by Ramon Santiago). It was Karstens' third consecutive start allowing two runs or fewer. Dan McCutchen, Chris Resop and Jose Ascanio each pitched scoreless innings of relief after that.
Brad Penny took the loss for the Tigers, allowing five runs in 5.2 innings while struggling with his control.