Sports

Neil Walker ends lengthy pitching duel with homer in 11th inning as Pirates beat Tigers 1-0

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Neil Walker arrives at the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the 11th inning of an interleague baseball game against the Detroit Tigers in Detroit, Tuesday, May 28, 2013. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) (The Associated Press)

Pittsburgh Pirates' Neil Walker (18) is congratulated by teammate Andrew McCutchen after hitting a solo home run during the 11th inning of an interleague baseball game against the Detroit Tigers in Detroit, Tuesday, May 28, 2013. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) (The Associated Press)

Neil Walker ended a lengthy pitching duel, homering in the 11th inning to lift the Pittsburgh Pirates over the Detroit Tigers 1-0 on Tuesday night.

The game was scoreless until Walker — the brother-in-law of Tigers center fielder Don Kelly — homered off Jose Ortega (0-2) with one out in the top of the 11th. Former Tiger Jason Grilli pitched the bottom half for his 21st save in as many tries, striking out Torii Hunter, Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder in succession.

Mark Melanson (1-0) picked up the win with a scoreless 10th inning for Pittsburgh.

Pirates starter Jeanmar Gomez and his Tigers counterpart Rick Porcello were dominant, putting up one of the best outings of their respective careers.