Bell homers twice to lead Pirates past Arizona, 6-2
PHOENIX (AP) — Josh Bell homered twice and Joe Musgrove allowed one hit through seven strong innings as the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Arizona Diamondbacks, 6-2, Tuesday night.
Phoenix native Cole Tucker hit a two-run homer in the top of the eighth inning to cap off the victory. The 22-year-old rookie gleefully circled the bases with a big smile on his face in front of a large gathering of family and friends, and received a hearty welcome from his teammates in the dugout.
The Pirates snapped a nine-game losing streak to the Diamondbacks that dated to last season. Pittsburgh has won four of its last five.
Starling Marte scored the game’s first run in the top of the third, hustling home from third base on Bell’s fielder’s choice. Bell’s fourth-inning homer off Arizona starter Luke Weaver came with two out and Gregory Polanco on base, traveling to straightaway center field and into a television camera well.
The only hit Musgrove (2-4) allowed was a fourth-inning single to Eduardo Escobar.
Bell extended his hitting streak to a career-high 14 games, and his season home run total to a team-best 11.
Melky Cabrera had three hits for the Pirates, and is 28 for 63 with a.444 batting average in 15 career games at Chase Field. Marte added a pair of doubles.