The Pirates, who lost for just the second time in their last 11 games at PNC Park, have surged into contention in the NL Central behind a resurgent offense that began the night third in the National League in runs this month. They looked like the team that slumped through April and May against Liriano, who looked for a night like the pitcher who baffled the Pirates during his only other start at PNC Park six years ago.
Liriano scattered five hits and struck out 11 against no walks on June 16, 2006, a performance that came in the midst of a season in which he went 12-3 and made the All-Star team before blowing out his left elbow at the end of the year.
He has showed only flashes of brilliance in the interim and pitched so badly at the beginning of the season he spent some time in the bullpen in May before returning to the starting rotation on May 30.
