Pirates starting pitcher Charlie Morton was locked in early Sunday against the Padres, but he fell apart late in his outing, leading to an 8-2 loss. He allowed five runs on five hits and one walk in five innings, while striking out five.
Morton (5-11) was outstanding at the start of Sunday's game, retiring the first 10 batters he faced before issuing a one-out walk to Yangervis Solarte in the fourth inning. Morton lost his shutout bid two batters later on a Yonder Alonso RBI single.
Morton was still in front 2-1 before he fell apart in the fifth inning. He loaded the bases before Seth Smith hit a two-out bases-clearing triple. Smith then scored on a wild pitch to put San Diego ahead 5-2. Morton would not return for the sixth inning.
Morton, who is winless in his last seven starts (0-2), is expected to make his next start Friday at Washington.