Alan Diaz, Associated Press Oliver Perez got only four strikeouts last night, but he scored an unearned run and got the victory to boost his record to 5-4. Click photo for larger image. More baseball Sore knee keeps Wilson out of Pirates-Marlins game Bethel Park woman overcomes disability to 'sing' National Anthem at Indians-Rangers game Pirates Report: 7/8/04 Matsui, Abreu win final All-Star spots; Kendall comes up short in NL voting

MIAMI -- Lloyd McClendon anticipated a pitcher's duel between Oliver Perez and All-Star Carl Pavano last night at Pro Player Stadium.

"It's our best guy against their best guy. I expect it to be low-scoring game," McClendon said before the Pirates' 4-3 win against the Florida Marlins. "The team that makes the least amount of mistakes and executes the best will probably win."

The pivotal mistake was a two-out error by Marlins first baseman Damion Easley that led to three unearned runs as the Pirates rebounded from their first loss in 11 games.

By taking two of three from the defending world champions, the Pirates won their first series in Miami in the past eight years.

The bullpen allowed a run in the seventh, but the win was preserved when Miguel Cabrera was thrown out at the plate trying to score from first on Easley's two-out double.

Jose Mesa allowed a leadoff single in the ninth, but Jason Kendall made a nifty play to get an out on an attempted sacrifice, then threw out speedy Juan Pierre when he attempted to steal.

Mesa walked the next two batters to bring up Easley, who struck out looking to end the game as Mesa notched his 22nd save in 23 chances.

It was a tale of two games for Easley, who was making just his sixth major-league start at first. He accounted for two runs with a couple of two-out singles and finished t with three hits, but his error in the fifth was the difference.

Abraham Nunez, who started because All-Star shortstop Jack Wilson was scratched with irritation in his left knee, bounced a ball to first that should have ended the inning. But Easley let it get through him, and the Pirates made the Marlins pay.

Rob Mackowiak doubled off the scoreboard in left-center field to tie the score, 2-2. After Craig Wilson walked, Bobby Hill doubled to left-center field for the go-ahead run, also putting runners at second and third.

Tike Redman's infield single scored the winning run.

With Randall Simon at the plate, the Pirates tried to manufacture a run with an attempted double steal. After Redman broke for second, Hill was thrown out at the plate to end the inning.

Alan Diaz, Associated Press Jason Kendall slides wide but can't prevent Florida's Alex Gonzalez from turning a double play in the first inning. Click photo for larger image.

The Marlins rallied in the seventh.

With a runner on first, reliever Willis Roberts made his first appearance with the Pirates. Called up earlier in the day from Class AAA Nashville, he gave up a single to Cabrera before Mike Lowell got a run home with a sacrifice fly to left.

Easley doubled into the left-field corner, and Cabrera attempted to score from first. Hill's relay from Mackowiak arrived in plenty of time to nail the runner at home and preserve the lead.

With the win, Perez (5-4) is the only member of the rotation with a winning record.

He was a big factor in the recent 10-game winning streak. Although he didn't factor in the decision, Perez started the streak with seven shutout innings and 13 strikeouts against the Cincinnati Reds June 26. He also struck out 11 and beat the Milwaukee Brewers in game one of a doubleheader Friday night, but he was bothered by a blister on his throwing hand that game.

Perez wasn't as dominant last night, and he labored through a 40-pitch first, but, when he was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the sixth, he had a two-run lead and the Marlins had only four hits. He walked four and struck out four.

	Alan Diaz, Associated Press Pittsburgh Pirates closer Jose Mesa is congratulated by catcher Jason Kendall after earning a save in the Pirates' 4-3 win over the Florida Marlins. Click photo for larger image.

Coming into the game, Perez led the majors with an average of 11 strikeouts per nine innings.

The first could have been a lot worse for Perez, who allowed one run and retired the side with the bases loaded.

He got two quick outs, but trouble began when he walked Cabrera and Lowell. Easley bounced a single to center to get a run home. Perez walked Josh Willingham to load the bases, but Alex Gonzalez fouled out to end the inning.

The Pirates tied it in the third when Craig Wilson was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded and two outs. Wilson has been plunked a major-league leading 15 times.

The Marlins responded with a run in their half of the inning on another two-out hit by Easley. Pierre got aboard on an infield single and stole second. Perez struck out the next two batters, but Easley lined a single to left to put the Marlins back in the lead.