Maholm's career-worst start dooms Pirates, 13-3
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Pirates pitcher Paul Maholm, center, walks off the field during the second inning of Tuesday's game against the Rangers at The Ballpark in Arlington, Texas. -
Pirates catcher Ryan Doumit turns to throw to first base as the Rangers' Vladimir Guerrero slides in on the bases-loaded force-out play at home plate during the second inning. -
The Rangers' Julio Borbon advances to second base on a hit by teammate Elvis Andrus in the second inning as Pirates shortstop Bobby Crosby looks on. -
Pirates manager John Russell, left, pulls relief pitcher Dana Eveland as catcher Ryan Doumit adjusts his helmet during the fourth inning. -
Pirates starting pitcher Paul Maholm removes his cap after giving up a home run to the Rangers' Michael Young during the first inning. -
Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz goes for a ball hit by the Pirates' Neil Walker during the first inning.
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ARLINGTON , Texas -- What was that?
For all else that has gone so woefully wrong with the Pirates' rotation this summer, Paul Maholm had been Mr. Reliable with a 3.77 ERA, almost always solid if unspectacular.
How, then, to explain his calamitous cameo Wednesday night in what wound up a 13-3 trouncing by Texas at Rangers Ballpark?
One-inning plus.
Seven runs.
Seven hits, including a two-run home run.
Four walks.
Fifty-five pitches and barely half -- 28 -- for strikes.
In all, Maholm faced 15 batters, and 11 reached safely, plus the one who reached on a double-play ball botched by second baseman Neil Walker.
Game: Pirates vs. Texas Rangers, 8:05 p.m., Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.
TV, radio: FSN Pittsburgh, WPGB-FM (104.7).
Pitching: RHP Jeff Karstens (2-2, 4.72) vs. RHP Scott Feldman (5-6, 5.16).
Key matchup: Karstens??? splits need to tighten, as right-handed batters are at .222 but lefties at .375. Expect Texas to adjust accordingly.
Of note: The Pirates lead Major League Baseball with 20 outfield assists, and 13 of those have come at home plate. Lastings Milledge has five of those.
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"Just one of those starts," manager John Russell said. "You're always expecting Paul to just do what he does, give us six innings, maybe seven. Unfortunately, he couldn't get the ball where he wanted and ... it's rare to see that from him. But he'll bounce back."
Maholm minced no words after initially echoing Russell's sentiment.
"Just one of those days," he said. "You fall behind, you leave pitches over the middle, they hit a bunch of singles, I walked guys ..."
He paused and forced a small smile.
"I [stunk]. There's no better way to say it. But I also understand it's part of the game. And I'll be ready in five days."
First Published June 24, 2010 12:18 am
