Dodgers can’t keep up with Pirates in 12-7 loss

KEY MOMENT: An eighth-inning solo home run by Scott Van Slyke reduced the Dodgers’ deficit to 8-7, but right-hander Chris Perez unraveled spectacularly in a four-run eighth for the Pirates. Perez walked four consecutive batters, at which point he was replaced by Brandon League. The unraveling continued, as League served up consecutive run-scoring hits to former Dodgers catcher Russell Martin and Ike Davis.

AT THE PLATE: Adrian Gonzalez hit a two-run home run in the seventh inning that cut the Pirates’ lead to 8-6. The home run was the Dodgers’ first since light-hitting infielder Miguel Rojas hit one July 9. Gonzalez’s last home run was July 1. Gonzalez drove in three runs and A.J. Ellis two.

ON THE MOUND: Josh Beckett lasted only 32/3 innings in his return from the disabled list. giving up four runs and six hits, including three solo home runs. Paul Maholm, Jamey Wright and Perez were charged with a combined eight runs.

MEDICAL REPORT: Yasiel Puig didn’t play but was available to pinch-hit, Manager Don Mattingly said. However, Hanley Ramirez, who was also struck by a pitch over the weekend, remained unavailable. Mattingly doesn’t expect either player to go on the disabled list.

MIDSEASON HONOR: Dee Gordon was the Dodgers’ recipient of the Heart and Hustle Award, which the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Assn. presents to active players who “demonstrate a passion for the game of baseball and best embody the values, spirit and tradition of the game.”

UP NEXT: Dan Haren (8-7, 4.30) will face the Pirates and Francisco Liriano (1-7, 4.43) at PNC Park on Wednesday at 4 p.m. PDT. On the air: TV: SportsNet LA. Radio: 570, 1020.