Smith, Escobar leads Diamondbacks over Pirates 4-2

PHOENIX (AP) — Caleb Smith pitched 6 2/3 stellar innings, Eduardo Escobar hit a two-run homer for the second straight game and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-2 on Monday night.

It was a nice bounce-back outing for Smith (3-6), who was rocked for nine earned runs in one inning during a 22-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers just before the All-Star break. The left-hander even earned his first career stolen base, surprising the Pirates by getting a huge jump and swiping second.

Smith gave up two runs on six hits and two walks while striking out seven. Joakim Soria allowed two baserunners but pitched a scoreless ninth for his fifth save.

Escobar — who was the D-backs’ only All-Star representative last week — continued his solid season by ripping a low liner over the right-field wall for his 22nd homer to make it 4-0. The 32-year-old will be a tempting addition for a playoff-contending team as MLB’s trade deadline approaches. He’s in the final year of his contract, plays multiple positions and is a switch hitter.

Chase De Jong (1-4) took the loss for the Pirates, giving up four runs over five innings. He walked two and gave up seven hits, including three homers.

The Pirates pulled within 4-2 in the seventh after Ke'Bryan Hayes and Bryan Reynolds hit back-to-back RBI singles. Joe Mantiply struck out All-Star Adam Frazier with the bases loaded to end the rally.

Pavin Smith and Josh VanMeter hit back-to-back solo homers in the second that nearly landed in an identical spot behind the right-center field wall, pushing the D-backs to a 2-0 lead. It was Smith's eighth homer of the year and VanMeter's third.

NICE PLAY

De Jong made an excellent play in the third when he took a hard-hit grounder off the inside of his left knee from David Peralta. The pitcher...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Smith-Escobar-leads-Diamondbacks-over-Pirates-4-2-16325790.php