Burnett allowed two runs on seven hits and three walks in six innings Saturday in a 4-2 win over Detroit.
Spin: Burnett, who struck out two, didn't have his best stuff or command but was able to string together his third quality start -- something he hadn't done since 2009.
Pittsburgh starting pitcher A.J. Burnett (2-2) gave up two runs and seven hits in six innings during the Pirates' 4-3 victory at Detroit in an interleague contest on Saturday. He allowed both of his runs on a homer by Prince Fielder in the third inning. but still sliced his ERA to 4.78 on the year. Burnett, who halted a four-game winless streak, walked three batters and struck out only two. It was the first time this season he has recorded more walks than strikeouts as he had shown improvement with his command after a rocky tenure with the Yankees.
Analysis: Burnett was overly sharp during his sixth start since returning from the disabled list, but he still managed his first win since his season debut. The right-hander has been a quality Fantasy contributor aside from one poor start against St. Louis on May 2. In that game, he allowed 12 runs in 2 2/3 innings, but in his other five starts, he's gone 2-1 with a 2.06 ERA. His strikeout total is normally better than he showed Saturday and he should be added in most formats for his next projected start Friday against the Cubs. He is sporting a tidy 1.57 ERA with 21 strikeouts at home this year.
Andrew McCutchen hit a pair of two-run homers and A.J. Burnett pitched six solid innings to lead the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 4-3 win over the Detroit Tigers on Saturday.
