Sep 28, 2009 12:00 pm US/Eastern
Pirates Beat Dodgers In 11-1 Romp
PITTSBURGH (KDKA/AP) ―
The Pirates once again prevented the Los Angeles Dodgers from clinching the NL West, beating them 11-1.
It was the Bucs' final game at PNC Park for this season. Attendance this year was the lowest since the park opened in 2001.
Andy LaRoche, a former Dodgers prospect, had two homeruns, doubled twice and singled, driving in six runs during the romp.
LaRoche, traded to the Pirates in the three-team deal last year in which Los Angeles landed Ramirez, went 10 for 18 with three homers and nine RBIs during the series.
"I didn't care if it was the Dodgers or Padres," LaRoche said. "I don't feel like they just got rid of me, they traded me for Manny Ramirez."
Already assured of a playoff spot, the Dodgers lost three of four to the Pirates, who had dropped 23 of 26 going into the series - the franchise's worst stretch in 119 seasons.
The Dodgers went 3-4 on a road trip against the majors' two worst teams, the Nationals and Pirates.
"It's always dangerous when you play those teams. I hate to say you should beat somebody, but the record tells you should beat them," manager Joe Torre said. "These are the types of teams you're not comfortable (playing)."
Zach Duke (11-15) was in control from the start, allowing only three singles until Hudson tripled with one out in the ninth - a low total for a pitcher who has allowed an NL-high 225 hits.
Duke couldn't believe it when Russell lifted him following Chin-Lung Hu's sacrifice fly, with a 10-run lead and only one batter to get for the complete game, and the fans let Russell have it.
Even Dodgers third base coach Larry Bowa seemed surprised, saying something to Duke as he walked by.
"I wanted it pretty bad, I'm not going to lie," said Duke, who is arbitration-eligible and thus lost a complete game he could have used in negotiations.
(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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