National League : Things Just Get Worse for DeLeon

Jose DeLeon has discovered that the only thing worse for him than pitching from behind is pitching while he’s ahead.

DeLeon (0-5) struck out nine San Francisco Giants in five innings and was presented with a 3-2 lead in the fifth--the first time the Pittsburgh Pirates have given him a lead this season--before he suddenly went wild, walking three while allowing five consecutive batters to reach base in the sixth inning.

The Giants went on to score four runs, thanks in part to Scot Thompson’s two-run pinch-single, as they ended a six-game losing streak in Three Rivers Stadium by winning there for the first time since July 23, 1983, 7-5.

Chili Davis walked but was picked off first in the sixth by catcher Tony Pena before DeLeon walked Gary Rajsich and Bob Brenly around Chris Brown’s infield single to load the bases. Jose Uribe singled home Rajsich before Thompson, batting only .139, greeted reliever Cecilio Guante with his two-run single to right. Uribe scored on Dan Gladden’s grounder to make it 6-3.

Bill Laskey (1-3) went five innings for the victory before being lifted for a pinch-hitter.