Diamondbacks Blank Pirates 9-0 Behind Rodriguez

PHOENIX - Eduardo Rodriguez delivered seven strong innings of two-hit ball, and the Arizona Diamondbacks erupted for five runs in the sixth to power a 9-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday night.

Rodriguez, a 30-year-old left-hander, struck out seven and walked three while keeping Pittsburgh hitless until Jared Triolo's two-out single to left in the fifth. Konnor Griffin added a one-out double in the seventh, but the veteran escaped further damage. Jonathan Loaisiga pitched a perfect eighth, and Brandyn Garcia struck out two in a flawless ninth to complete the two-hitter.

The Diamondbacks, who entered with the National League's worst 5.07 ERA, snapped a four-game losing streak and improved to four wins in their last 13 games. They jumped ahead 2-0 in the first when Ketel Marte tripled, Corbin Carroll walked, Adrian Del Castillo hit a sacrifice fly and Ildemaro Vargas doubled in Carroll. The 34-year-old Vargas, named the NL Player of the Month for March-April, is batting .377 with a 1.051 OPS this season.

Pittsburgh reliever Yohan Ramirez absorbed all five runs in the decisive sixth, recording just one out. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. walked and Nolan Arenado was hit by a...