Pirates pitcher James McDonald had a no-hitter going through six innings in the first game of a doubleheader against the Colorado Rockies Wednesday, but he ultimately lost it on an infield single by Troy Tulowitzki in the seventh.
Through seven innings, McDonald has struck out eight and walked three, but the Pirates now trail 1-0. In the seventh, McDonald walked Carlos Gonzalez, and then Tulowitzki hit a ball that would have made a tough play for Pedro Alvarez. Alvarez ranged to his left to get it, but the ball bounced off his glove when he dove. Gonzalez later came home to score on a sacrifice fly by Jason Giambi. The Pirates offense, meanwhile, had been getting shut down as usual, this time by Juan Nicasio, so the Rockies are actually ahead despite McDonald’s inspired effort.
To follow the game with fellow Pirates fans, head over to Bucs Dugout. For more on the Rockies, there’s Purple Row.