PITTSBURGH (AP) — Former Dodgers prospect Andy LaRoche homered twice, doubled twice and singled, driving in six runs as the last-place Pittsburgh Pirates romped 11-1 Monday and again prevented Los Angeles from clinching the NL West.
Zach Duke pitched shutout ball into the ninth inning against a patchwork Dodgers lineup.
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.
Los Angeles blew a three-run lead in the ninth inning Sunday and lost 6-5, then got blown out in the series finale. Technically, the Dodgers' magic number is two, but in reality it is one because they own the tiebreaker against Colorado.
