Saturday, April 28, 2012

Bedard gets run support, Bucs Win

    Erik Bedard finally got help from the Bucco bats as he pitched five innings of one run ball as the Pirates defeated the hated Braves, 4-2.

    The Bucco bullpen of Resop, Cruz, Grilli, and Hanrahan went four strong as well, giving up only a run (Resop in the 6th) the rest of the way. The Hammer got save number four in as many tries striking out the first two batters with his nasty slider before getting Eric Hinske to fly out to deep left to a leaping Jose Tabata at the wall. Before tonight's performance, Bedard was 0-4 with an ERA around 2.50. He gave up only eight runs in his first four appearances but got no offense whatsoever. Where have we seen that before?

     After only scoring once last night while squandering a big bases loaded one out chance last night, The Pirate offense took advantage of scoring opportunities against Braves starter Randall Delgado, on way to a four run night. Not a big number but when it comes to the Bucs, that's huge. Alex Presley extended his hit-streak to 12 games with another infield hit (8th this season, T-1st NL) to lead-off the game. Garrett Jones would score him on a sac fly later in the inning to make it 1-0. They would get on the board again in the second. Rod Barajas would get a one-out single and would be advanced by a Bedard sac bunt. Presley and Tabata would then hit back-to-back doubles to make it 3-0. Atlanta would cut it to 3-1 on a Dan Uggla RBI single in the third. Pedro Alvarez would finish the scoring for the Bucs with one of his two doubles to make it 4-1. The Braves would make it 4-2 on a Juan Francisco ground out in the sixth which would be your final score.

     These two will be back in action tomorrow afternoon at 1:35. (Correia 1-0, 2.00 ERA v. Hudson 1st Start)

Starters Lines
Bedard: (W, 1-4) 5 IN, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 9 K's (1 to Delgado)
Delgado: (L, 2-2)  4 1/3 IN, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 4 K's


Turning Point
     Leading 4-1 in the sixth, Bedard would allow two runners to reach scoring position with one out. He would then strike out Freddie Freeman and Dan Uggla to end the inning and any chance of a Braves comeback.


Stud/Dud of the game
Stud: Erik Bedard - He did everything he needed to do to get win #1 on the season. He threw 92 pitches (62 for strikes) while striking out nine. (2 came with runners in scoring position, see Turning Point above)
Dud: Clint #NotAlwaysSmooth Barmes - 0-4, 2 K's, 3 LOB

Final Thoughts
-- Pedro's 2-4 night bumped his avg. up to a .176. (Both were doubles.) Also, Tabata's 1-5 night keeps him close to the Mendoza line at .200.

-- No Pirates starter has given up more than 3 runs in a start this season. (3 runs 3 times. McDonald, Karstens, Morton)

-- Alex Presley's 12 game active hit-streak is tied for second in the NL and tied for fourth in the Majors.

This day in 1992 - Lost @ Cin 3-2
     Doug Drabek gave up 3 runs on 7 hits in 6 innings of work for the Loss.
Steve Buechele (1-4, RBI, R) would hit a homer and Jay Bell (0-3) would hit a sac fly to round out the scoring.
     Andy Van Slyke went 0-3 with a walk and 2 strikeouts.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Bucs split double dip

     James McDonald and Charlie Morton both went seven strong but the Pirates were only able to split the afternoon double header at PNC.

     J-Mac took a no-no into the seventh in game one before an infield single to Troy Tulowitzki would break it up. The shutout would go that inning as well as a wild pitch and sac fly would make it 1-0 Rox. Juan Nicasio was just as good shutting out the Bucs through seven on 7 hits before a Pedro Alvarez lazer to the right-center field seats tied it at 1. Chris Resop would let the Rockies regain the lead in the eighth after hitting Eric Young, allowing a single to Marco Scutaro, then a sac fly to Tyler Colvin. The Bucs would then go down silently over the last two innings.

     For any of you thinking, "Man, if Pedro could have at least gotten the force at second on the hit J-Mac could have gone all the way". No. That was most likely McDonald's last inning either way due to pitch count. Hurdle is not going to risk harming a starter so early in the year just for the chance at a no-no. I am fine with going for the win instead of the no-no.

     The second game in the twin bill went the same way for Pirate pitching. Charlie Morton gave up a solo homer (Ramon Hernandez) in seven strong but got plenty of offense to allow him to get his first win of the year 5-1. The sun would be the Pirates friend on the offensive side in the fifth after Carlos Gonzalez misplayed back-to-back catchable fly balls with one out that allowed two runs to score. Garret Jones and Pedro Alvarez would then go back-to-back to finish the scoring.

Pitchers Lines
      GM 1
McDonald: 7 IN, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 8 K's
Nicasio: 6 2/3 IN, 9 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K's

      GM 2
Morton:(W, 1-1) 7 IN, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K's
Chacin:(L, 0-2) 5 IN, 8 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 5 K's (1 to Morton)

     The Bucs are off tomorrow to travel to the ATL where they will face the hated Braves in a 4-game set starting Friday night.
 

Turning Point's
      GM 1
   Eric Young getting hit-by-pitch in the eighth. He has the speed that took some of Resop's focus off of Marco Scutaro. Scutaro would single and Young would easily go first-to-third and score on a sac fly.

      GM 2
   The sun, largest star in the galaxy, aided in the 5 run fifth. That and the fact that Carlos Gonzalez was smart enough not to wear sunglasses during an afternoon double header under sunny skies. Just sayin.

Stud/Dud of the game's
      GM 1
Stud: J-Mac - Took a no-no into the seventh only to have it taken away by an infield hit of all things.
Dud: Jose Tabata - Trying to turn a routine lead-off single into a double. Didn't work, rally over before it could start.

     GM 2
Stud: Garret Jones - 3-4, HR, 2 RBI.
Also give props to Pedro Alvarez in both games. 3-8, 2 HR, 1 2B, 2 RBI

Dud: I really can't think of a dud for game 2 so I'm going to give it to someone me and fellow blogger @McEffect (follow him, very very quality Bucco blog) were discussing. His roommate turns 21 at midnight. (8 min from when I am typing this out, Happy Birthday man) His girlfriend, although will not let him celebrate it in a way a college student should. Therefore, she gets the dud of game 2. Not cool man. 

Final Thoughts
-- Brad Lincoln pitched a perfect eighth and ninth innings in game two. I believe he has found is spot in the Majors. A long reliever.

-- Pedro had a very good day at the plate. His hits were to all fields, a few of his outs were well hit too. I think he has finally found his groove, Especially when he gets ahead in the count. If a pitcher can get ahead then all bets are off for Pedro to be productive but don't worry, he's working on it and he WILL have a decent season. I would be happy with a .205, 25-30 HR, 65-90 RBI  year. (He can easily surpass these numbers though.)

-- The Pirates have now gone 18 consecutive games to start a season without giving up or scoring more than 5 runs in a game. It's a new Major League record. Now we can break the bats out boys.

--Watch Cutch imitate Cleveland Brown from "Family Guy" and "The Cleveland Show" http://t.co/OgT3hw72 (via )
This day in 1991 - 1-0 Victory @ the Cubs
   Randy Tomlin would move to 4-0 by pitching 8 shutout innings and allowing only 5 base runners (3 H, 2 BB) and striking out 3. Stan Belinda would pitch a perfect 9th to get save #5.
   Andy Van Slyke would have the game-winning RBI, a double in the 6th scoring Jay Bell.


Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Buccos Score Late in Comeback Win

  Kevin Correia added another quality start for Bucco pitching as the Bucs come from behind twice to beat the Rockies 5-4.

     Correia's only blemish in the run column came in the first when Dexter Fowler would single with one out. Carlos Gonzalez would follow with a homer to left to make it 2-0. The Bucs would get one back in the bottom after a Presley lead-off double, Tabata bunt, and a Cutch ground out. (Another run scored on a ball that didn't leave the infield.) Correia would then only allow two more hits through 5 2/3 innings before handing the ball over to Juan Cruz to work a scoreless seventh. Correia's counterpart, Jamie Moyer (Who started his Major League career before I was even born), would be just as effective with a fastball that couldn't be pulled over for speeding on the Interstate. He would only allow one run over six.

     The Bucs would get to the pen though, taking the lead on a double and single by Presley and Tabata followed by a 2-RBI double by Cutch making it 3-2. The lead would be short-lived because the pen would encounter some trouble in the eighth. Jason Grilli would allow a double sandwiched between two outs before getting replaced by Tony Watson. Watson would then allow Gonzalez's second two-run shot of the night to put the Rox back on top 4-3.

     The scoring would be finished in the bottom when Clint "Always Smooth" Barmes would take a 2-0 fastball over the left-field fence to tie it at 4. Casey McGehee would then get the winning hit with two-out scoring pinch-runner, Nate McLouth, to make it 5-4. Hanrahan would the close it 1-2-3 in the ninth to earn his third save of the season. Watson is credited with the win and a blown save.

     The two teams will be back at it with a doubleheader starting at 12:35.

Pitchers Lines
Correia: 6 IN, 4 H , 2 R, 2 ER, 4 K's (2 to Moyer)
Moyer: 6 IN, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 3 K's (2 to Correia)

Turning Point
     Clint Barmes's solo shot in the eighth. It tied the game back up and ignited the offense to take the lead and lock down the victory.
     
Stud/Dud of the game
Stud: Clint Barmes - 3-3, 2 2B, Tieing HR in the 8th.
Dud: Neil Walker - 0-4, 5 runners stranded on-base.

Final Thoughts
-- Alex Presley is now on an 8 game hit-streak after his lead-off double in the first.

-- Casey McGehee went 1-2 with 3 BB and the go-ahead RBI single in the eighth.

-- This is the 16th consecutive game to start the season that the Bucs neither gave up or scored more than 5 runs in a game tieing the '65 Pirates for the NL record mark. They can hold the Major League mark by doing the same in both games of the DH tomorrow. (17 by the '43 Tigers)

This day in 1992
     Gary Redus would score on a double play in the eighth as the Buccos squeeked out a 3-2 victory over the Cubs at Wrigley. Jay Bell (3-4) and Barry Bonds (2-3, BB) would record RBI's in the win.
     Andy Van Slyke would go 0-3 with 2 BB and a strikeout.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Welcome to Pittsburgh A.J. Burnett

     In a surprise to everyone outside of the Pirates, A.J. Burnett was your starter tonight. Kevin Correia, who was supposed to start, was benched after experiencing discomfort in his left side opening the spot for Burnett to start in Pittsburgh instead of his final rehab stint at "AA" Altoona.

     Burnett's start wasn't what we all were expecting when he allowed the first three batters to reach by way of a hit and two walks. He would then settle down and strike the next two out before getting out of the jam by way of a nice leaping grab by #AlwaysSmooth Clint Barmes. He would then retire the next twelve batters in way to seven scoreless on three hits in only 76 pitches. Many, including me, thought Hurdle would allow Burnett to go out for the eighth but Hurdle, Instead would pinch-hit Nate McLouth. That move almost backfired on Hurdle when Juan Cruz would allow the first two batters in the eighth to single followed by a sac bunt before being removed for Tony Watson. Watson would strike out Matt Carpenter and Jason Grilli would then come in to K Matt Holliday to end the jam. The Hammer would then come in to save the game despite giving up two walks with less than two out. He finished with two K's.

     For the first time this season we can say Pedro Alvarez had a good day at the plate. His two singles would score Cutch both times for the games only runs. He would also fly out to deep center in the eighth. Cutch kept his average up by going 2-4. He, also, flew to the track in left in the eighth. Presley, Walker and Barajas all added a hit each. 

     Both squads will be back at it tomorrow in the rubber match at 1:30. (Bedard 0-3 2.65 ERA v. Lohse 2-0 0.89 ERA)

Starters Lines
Burnett: (W, 1-0) 7 IN, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 K's (1 to Westbrook)
Westbrook: (L, 2-1) 6 2/3 IN, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K's (1 to Burnett)

Stud/Dud of the game
Stud: A.J. Burnett - Completely dominated Cardinals hitting after the small jam in the first.
Dud: Casey McGehee - 0-4 with a strikeout while stranding 5 baserunners.

Turning Point
     Clint Barmes's leaping catch to end the first. It would allow Burnett to settle down and take command of the game for the next six innings.

Final Thoughts
--Alvarez's good day at the plate lifts his average to .118. (It was at .042 three games ago.) Each of his 4 hits have been RBI's. Cutch's average went to .377 after his 2-4 day. (Good for 9th in the Majors.)

--This is the 14th game in a row that Pirate pitchers haven't given up more than 5 runs in a game. (2.53 ERA, 3rd In the Majors behind Philly (2.41) and Washington (2.34))

--New headwear for the Pirate broadcasters, uhhh.....

This day in 1992
     The Buccos beat the Expos 8-7. Denny Neagle got the start giving up 3 runs on 6 hits in only 4 innings of work. Vicente Palacios would pick up the win in relief pitching 2 no-hit innings.
     Barry Bonds would go 2-4 with a homer and 2 RBI's while Andy Van Slyke would go 2-4 with a double, triple and 3 RBI's. 


    

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Bucs take series over D-Backs

     Pedro Alvarez homered and Neil Walker added a Texas leaguer RBI as the Pirates defeated the D-Backs 2-1 to take the 3-game series.

     It seemed like James McDonald would not last long in this afternoon's match-up after giving up a run on two hits and a walk in the first inning. Hurdle had Brad Lincoln warmed up and ready to come in had it not been for J-Mac getting two fly-outs to avoid any farther problems. He would then cruise through the next three innings before getting removed for a pinch-hitter. Lincoln would then come in and pitch three scoreless qualifying him for the win, his fourth of his career. Chris Resop would throw a scoreless eighth and Juan Cruz would throw in the ninth for his second save in as many days while the Hammer is down with a hammy injury.

     The offense wasn't as hot as last night (7 hits, 3 walks), but they did the necessary work in order to get the victory. They had something going in the first after an Alex Presley lead-off walk and stolen base. Clint Barmes (Yes he batted second today) advanced Presley to third on a ground out. Then Cutch would walk making it first and third with one out. Neil Walker then grounded into a double play to end the threat. It was a ball up the middle but due to Cutch running on the play they were set up perfectly for the DP.  Pedro Alvarez broke his 0-19 streak with a two-out solo shot to right in the seventh to tie things at one. They would get more two-out lightning with three singles from Clint Barmes, Cutch, and Neil Walker (RBI) in the eighth to finish the scoring at 2-1.

Pitchers Lines
McDonald : 4 IN, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K's (1 to Hudson)
Lincoln : (W, 1-0) 3 IN, 1 H, 3 BB, 4 K's (1 to Hudson)
Hudson : (L, 1-1) 7 2/3 IN, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K's

Stud/Dud of the game
Stud: Pedro Alvarez 1-3, drew his first walk of the season in the fifth then tied the game with a homer in the seventh. He is half-way to his total from last year (4).
Dud: McGehee, went 0-4 while stranding two base runners.


Turning point
     The Alvarez homer. His shot to right was the first of four hits between the seventh and eighth that plated their two runs.

Final Thoughts
-- Cutch went 2-3 today with a walk boosting his average to .400. Good for fifth in the Majors.

-- Four of the five Pirates wins have come by one run. They are 4-4 in one-run games.

-- The Bucs went 3-6 on the road-trip bringing their record to 5-7. I'll take that considering the pitching they faced and the 0-3 start to the trip.

      The Buccos will have tomorrow off to travel home for a six game homestand starting Friday night against St. Louis. 

This day in 1992
     Zane Smith improved to (3-0) as the Pirates moved to 8-2 with a victory over the Phills 9-2. Smith went 5 innings allowing 2 runs on 7 hits with a walk and 4 strikeouts. Cecil Espy had a pinch-hit, bases-clearing triple while Barry Bonds hit a two-run homer.
     Andy Van Slyke went 2-5 with 2 runs scored.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Pirates win another one-run contest

     Andrew McCutchen's two-out, RBI single in the ninth beats the Diamondbacks 5-4 in a weird, back-and-forth battle at Chase Field.
   
     Jeff Karstens only lasted one inning as he had to leave the game due to right shoulder inflammation. He gave up two runs (both earned) on three hits. Jared Hughes would pitch the next 2 2/3 innings giving up an earned run on three hits and two walks. Tony Watson and Evan Meek would come in to throw 3 1/3 innings of perfect ball. The only other blemish would be a game tieing solo shot by John McDonald off of Jason Grilli in the eighth. Juan Cruz would close the game out with a 1-2-3 ninth for his first save since May, 24 2009. Hanrahan did not make an appearance in the ninth due to a tweaked hamstring that he encountered on the last pitch on Sunday in SF.

     The offense would be led by the 3-4-5 hitters (Cutch, Walker, Jones) who, combined, were 10-14 with a HR, 5 RBI's, and 4 runs. GFJ had the meat of the RBI's with 3 by way of a single, double, and solo shot into the pool in right-center. Cutch would be clutch with a two out RBI single in the ninth which would be the deciding factor.  

Pitching Lines
Karstens: 1 IN, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER
Bucco Bullpen: 8 IN, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K's
Kennedy: 6 IN, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 5 K's (1 to Karstens)
Stud/Dud of the game
Stud: Garrett Jones - 3-4, HR, 3 RBI's, and a run. He was a triple shy of the cycle.
Dud: Jason Grilli - Gave up a game tieing solo shot in the eighth.

Turning Point
    After an Alex Presley two-out infield single and Casey McGehee single, Andrew McCutchen would hit a game-winning RBI single in the ninth.

Final Thoughts
  -- We saw our first major #Hurdled moment of the year in the seventh inning after a Jose Tabata walk to lead off the inning. He would then have Presley bunt which ended in a pop up to the third baseman. Tabata would later be caught trying to swipe second.

-- The Buccos knocked out a season-best 13 hits and 5 runs in the win.

-- Pedro Alvarez went 0-4 (no strikeouts though) and had a nice drive to the left-center wall that would be hunted down and caught by Chris Young (Young would be hurt on the play). Alvarez is now batting .043 for the season.

-- The Bucs hold a ML record with their eleventh straight game to start a season without scoring or giving up more than five runs in a game.

     The Pirates will finish their 9-game west coast swing with the rubber match against the Diamondbacks at 3:40 tomorrow (James McDonald 0-1, 3.86 ERA will face Daniel Hudson 1-0, 8.71 ERA). 

This day in 1992
     Doug Drabek picks up win #2 with a 7-4 victory over the Phillies. He would go 7 giving up 4 runs (all earned) on 8 hits and 3 walks, he struck out 6. Stan Belinda recorded save #3.
     Steve Buechele went 2-4 with a RBI and 2 runs scored. Andy Van Slyke added a RBI while going 1-4.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Giants "Hurdled" by Bucs

     Garrett Jones homered and the Pirates executed a successful suicide squeeze play as they defeated the Giants this afternoon 4-1.
     Kevin Correia went six innings while only giving up a run keeping the Bucco pitching staff atop the rankings in team ERA. The run came in the fifth after Brandon Belt led the inning off with a double and scored after two ground outs. He also experienced some trouble with two outs in the third and sixth innings but was able to get a ground out both times to get out of it. Ryan Vogelsong was just as effective but couldn't keep out of trouble in the second. Garrett Jones led off the second with a towering shot to right to get the Bucs on the board. Vogelsong would then load the bases up on two singles and a walk before giving up a single to Alex Presley to make it 2-0. 
    The game would then go to the bullpens where the trio of Hughes, Grilli, and Hanrahan would shut the Giants out while only giving up two hits. Both Hughes and Grilli were able to cancel out lead-off extra base hits. Hanrahan would allow two walks in the ninth before getting back-to-back fly-outs to end it.
    The Giants bullpen would not be as effective as they would allow two runs in the eighth. Back-to-back singles by Cutch and McGehee would lead off the inning. Neil Walker would then single on a bunt and Cutch would score on a throwing error by Pablo Sandoval. (I don't know who was worse in this series; Sandoval's fielding or Pedro's hitting) Josh Harrison would then come to the plate and lay down a perfect suicide squeeze scoring McGehee and finish the scoring. 

Starters Lines
Correia: (W 1-0) 6 IN, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K's (1 to Vogelsong)
Vogelsong: (L 0-1) 6 1/3 IN, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 7 K's (1 to Correia)

Stud/Dud of the game
Stud: Alex Presley - He went 2-4 with a walk and an RBI
Dud: Pedro Alvarez - 0-3 with 2 K's


Turning Point
     The Giants had the tieing run on second with only one out in the seventh and one on third with two out but Jared Hughes would get pinch-hitter Aubrey Huff to fly out to end the threat. The Buccos would score two insurance runs the next inning to put it away.

Final Thoughts
-- Today's win marks the first road win of the 2012 season. It also breaks a 5-game losing streak.

-- The single run given up by Pirate pitching dropped the team ERA to 2.57. Good for fifth in the Majors behind Washington (1.99), Texas (2.30), NY Mets (2.48), Philly (2.55)

-- Pedro Alvarez struck out two more times today bringing his season total to 12 in 6 games.

     The Bucs will now travel to Arizona to take on the Diamondbacks starting tomorrow. (Erik Bedard 0-2, 2.25 ERA vs. Joe Saunders 0-0, 0.00 ERA) 9:40 PM. TV: Root Sports, Radio: Pirates Radio Network

This day in 1992
     The Bucs defeated the Cubs 7-2. Randy Tomlin (2-0) went 6 IN, allowing 2 runs (both earned) on seven hits with 1 strikeout. Lloyd McClendon had a pinch-hit 2 RBI single while Mike LaValliere went 3-3 with 2 runs and a walk.
     Andy Van Slyke went 0-4 with a RBI, walk, and a strikeout.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Bucs offense dormant in two losses

     Jeff Karstens rough first inning turned out to be the difference in a 3-2 loss to the Dodgers in LA on Thursday night.
     Karstens allowed three first-inning runs on a hit batsman and four hits before he and the Bucco bullpen would shut down the Dodger offense over the last eight innings. Michael McHenry started the Pirate scoring in the sixth with a solo shot to deep center. One inning later the Bucs would again get get back on the scoreboard after Cutch would lead-off the inning with a hit followed by a McGehee single that advanced Cutch to third. Yamico Navarro would score Cutch with a sac-fly. The Pirates would then load the bases with two out but Matt Hague would line out to left to end the inning.
     The seventh started out well with a Jose Tabata single. Hurdle would then pinch-hit Neil Walker for Josh Harrison, Walker would hit into a double play. I don't think this was a good move by Hurdle because he had Presley, who had a much better batting avg and speed, on the bench. Hurdle would still put him in as a defensive replacement with Walker. The Bucs would go down silently in the eighth and ninth completing the sweep for the Dodgers.


Starters lines
Jeff Karstens (L, 0-1) 5 IN, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 3 K's
Chris Capuano (W, 1-0) 5 1/3 IN, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 7 K's






Stud/Dud of the game
Stud: Michael McHenry: Solo shot in the sixth as well as a walk to load the bases in the seventh. (1-2, HR, BB)

Dud: Pedro Alvarez (0-4, 3 K's) His avg stands at .077.

Turning Point
Neil Walker double play in the seventh. It had seemed like the Pirates were going to continue where they left off in the sixth with a lead off single by Tabata. The DP took any momentum by the Bucs away and they would go down silently.


Final Thoughts
--Kemp and Ethier would go a combined 9-23 (.391) with 4 runs and 3 RBI's. That output alone would be enough to beat the Bucs in the series.

-- The Pirates were one-hit by Matt Cain (CG, Shutout, 11 K's, 1 H) this afternoon in San Fransisco. The only hit coming from starter James McDonald (5 2/3 IN, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 1 K) in the sixth. That's all the recap you need to know about this game.

-- Pedro is 0-10 with 7 K's since the homer game against the Phillies on Sunday. It's real hard to think that Pedro isn't on a short leash after that performance.

-- #ElectricStuff, Charlie Morton will make his 2012 debut tomorrow in San Fran, Barry Zito will oppose him. Zito threw a 4-hit shutout against the Rockies in his first start. First pitch will be at 9:05 ET. The game will be on ROOT Sports and the Pirates Radio Network.

These day's in 1992
April 12, 1992: The Bucs beat Philly 6-1 to give Zane Smith (CG, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 6 K's) his second win. Barry Bonds went 1-2 with 2 walks, 2 runs, and a 3 run homer in the sixth. Jay Bell (1-4, 1 BB) would add 2 runs as well.
Andy Van Slyke had the day off.

April 13, 1992: The Pirates were off.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Offense fails to show in loss

     Erik Bedard and Chad Billingsley both continued their strong starts to the 2012 season as the Dodgers defeated the Pirates 4-1.
     Clint Barmes would open up the scoring with his first hit of the season in the third inning, A solo shot to left-center. This was the first inning that the Bucs held a lead. (Their two wins came from walk-offs) That wouldn't last long though, because the Dodgers would tie it up in the third with a walk and two singles after two quick outs.
     The Pirates seemed to be starting something in the sixth after back-to-back one-out singles by Nate and Cutch, but that would be quickly halted when Neil Walker lined to Andre Either who then quickly doubled up Nate at second. That was the fifth time this season that Pirate hitters have hit into double-plays (Cutch has 3).
     Bedard would get bounced from the game in the sixth after allowing three straight hits to Matt Kemp, Juan Rivera (Dribbler just past Bedard's glove), and Andre Ethier (RBI). That would be the only damage though, as Chris Resop and Tony Watson would shut the door. Also, good call by Hurdle in this situation by forcing Billingsley out for a pinch-hitter. (Poped out to Pedro to end inning). 
     The Dodgers would tack two more runs on in the seventh off of Evan Meek(1 ER) and Tony Watson (1 ER) while the Bucs could only get a single hit off of the Dodger bullpen through the last three innings.
   
     All in all this was a sloppy game. The score really doesn't represent the play by the Pirates tonight. Pedro had two bad throws, Neil dropped a clear pick-off at second, the offense was bad for the most, and the pitching wasn't as crisp as it was in the first series. If we want to do anything this year we are going to have to get it together fast or it's going to be a long season.
                    
                            Starters Lines
Bedard (L 0-2) - 5 IN, 8 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K's (1 to Billingsley)
Billingsley (W 2-0) - 6 IN, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 K's

Stud/Dud of the game
Stud: Clint Barmes - First hit of the year goes for a solo-shot. Pretty much the only Bucco offense.
Dud: Evan Meek - Allowed two runners to cross the plate in the seventh inning.





Final Thoughts

--Alex Presley extended his season opening hit streak to 5 games with an eighth inning single off of Kenley Jansen.

--This is the first time this season that a Pirate Starter hasn't had a quality start.

-- Pirate 4-5-6 hitters (Walker, Jones, Barajas) were a combined 2-11 in the game.

The Pirates will look to salvage a game in the series tomorrow at 10:10 (Jeff Karstens vs. Chris Capuano)


This day in 1992
     Doug Drebek (1-1) picked up his first loss in a 7-4 decision to the Phillies. He went 6, giving up 5 runs (4 earned) on 6 base runners (4 H, 2 BB) and 7 strikeouts. Bonds and Buechele would both go 1-4 with an RBI and run each.
Andy Van Slyke went 0-3 with a walk.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Late inning bomb beats Bucs

   Kevin Correia went toe-to-toe with Clayton Kershaw in the fourth straight quality start for Pirate pitchers, but the Bucs were only able to get a single run across as they fall to the Dodgers 2-1 in LA.
     The Bucs fell behind early when LA played small ball in the first. Dee Gordon led the game off with a single, stole second, then scored two batters later on a Matt Kemp ground out. 
    It seemed like the Pirates were going to strike back the next inning when Casey McGehee rocketed a triple off of the center field wall (The sun aided in the play when Matt Kemp was unable to get a fix on the ball in time to catch it.). But, two strikeouts and a fly-out later and McGehee was still on third. You can't beat a pitcher like Clayton Kershaw by leaving your lead-off hitter on third.
   Correia (ND) would get into a bit of trouble in the second and fifth innings allowing two runners to reach base, but like the three starters that went before him he was able to get out unscathed. He would finish the day after six innings and 81 pitches. (4H, 1R, 1ER, 2BB, 3K)
   The Bucs would tie the game up on Kershaw (ND) in the seventh by playing a bit of small ball themselves. Presley and Cutch would lead the inning with back-to-back singles. McGehee would sacrifice the runners over on a deep fly to center and the "Hit Collector" Matt Hague would score Presley on a ground-out to second. Neil Walker would leave Cutch stranded on third. Kershaw's day would end after seven innings. (4H, 1R, 1ER, 7K)
     Both bullpens would take the game from there other than one bad pitch thrown by Jason Grilli (L 0-1), a slider left over the middle of the plate that Andre Ethier was able to hit over the right field fence. Grilli had struck out Mark Ellis and Matt Kemp before giving up the two-out homer. Presley would give the Bucs some hope in the ninth with a one-out single but, Cutch would dash any comeback hopes by grounding into a game ending 6-4-3 double play. That's the third double play in four games that Cutch has grounded into.

Stud/Dud of the game
Stud: Alex Presley - 2 Hits and he scored the tieing run in the seventh.
Dud: Jason Grilli - You give up the game-winning homer in the eighth, you get the nomination.

Turning Point
The second inning for the Bucco offense. They get a gift in a lost ball in the sun with no out and can't convert. The percentage that a person would score from third with no out is over 65%. A hit, fly to the outfield, or even a ground out to the right side of the infield and the score is tied.

Final Thoughts
-- Pedro Alvarez was not in today's lineup. This is part of a platoon with Casey McGehee in which management has put in place to help get Pedro back into the full spin of things. Matt Hague is also platooning with Garret Jones.

-- Matt Kemp had the stadium chanting M-V-P before each of his at-bats. He went 0-4 with 2 K's and an RBI. Look's like the chants are working.

-- All four starting Pitchers had quality starts while only giving up a combined 5 runs. Only the Bucs and Houston can say that.

--This is the first time in club history that the Pirates have played their first four games by one-run scores. Pretty good on the defensive side considering the teams they played in those two games. (Philly, LA) 

     Tomorrow Erik Bedard (0-1) will make start #2 for the Bucs while Chad Billingsley (1-0) will look to continue a strong start to the season after shutting the Padres out through 8 1/3 innings of work with 11 K's on Friday. First pitch is at 10:10 and the game will be shown on Root Sports immediately following the Pens playoff match-up against the Flyers. The game will also be on the Pirates Radio Network.

This day in 1992
The Bucco's beat Philly 3-2 back in '92. Randy Tomlin (6 2/3 IN, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 2 K) picked up the win. Stan Belinda (1 IN, 2 K) picked up save #2 on the season. Barry Bonds hit homer #2 in the fourth while Lloyd McClendon and Steve Buchelle both had RBI's in the game.
Andy Van Slyke went 1-4 with 2 K's.

Rivalry renewed?

     The Buccos pulled off yet another unthinkable series win against the hated Phillies this weekend. Have we finally seen the rivalry rekindle to the way it was in the 70's? No, not to that extent, but I do believe that it is headed that way. Over the last seven years the Pirates are a combined 14-8 against the Phillies at PNC, compared to a 3-14 record in Philly. That's a total record of 17-22. If you think about it, that's not that bad considering the last six seasons the Pirates haven't even been close to contention while the Phillies have made the playoffs the last five seasons including one World Series title in 2008 (Bucs were 2-4 vs Philly that year).

     Over the last few years the fans have flowed into the stands selling out almost every game at both ball parks, and they have gotten their money's worth. The last nine games alone there have been four walk-offs (Three for Pittsburgh, One for Philadelphia). Like most rivalry's, record doesn't matter and there can be bad blood between the teams. That was the case in the 70's, but not now...At least not for the players. I was standing in the rotunda during this years opening day game. It was the start of the seventh inning when I heard loud commotion behind me. It was a Pirate fan involved in fisticuffs with a Philly fan. Apparently, The two weren't happy with the usual trash talk and had to take it a bit farther. If you have been listening to sports radio in the Pittsburgh area you have already learned about the  between the two fan bases but I believe that doesn't make the rivalry. You have to have that dislike between the ones on both teams. Take the Yankees and Red Sox for instance.(Ugh, I hate using these two but its the easiest example) They have shown that they have never liked each other. There have been bench clearing brawls, betters getting thrown at, and tons of talk thrown back and forth. Stuff like that hasn't fully taken over the Bucs - Phills rivalry yet. Until you get some of that it will be just another series on the schedule. Heck, we have a lot more hate towards the Brewers and they have pretty much owned us over the last few years.

    On a better note, Gerrit Cole made his professional debut tonight for the Bradenton Marauders. His line is as follows: 4 IN, 4 H (3 Doubles 1 Single), 1 R, 1 ER, 1 W, 1 WP, 7 K. It may only be his first start of the year but if this is to be kept up I see no reason why he shouldn't be in AA this year.

    The Bucco's will be in LA for a 4:10 game against the Dodgers. It will be the 3rd Cy Young award winner they will face in 4 games. Clayton Kershaw (0-0) vs. Kevin Correia (0-0).

This day in 1992 
The Buccos experienced their first defeat of the season. An 8-3 loss to the Expos in the final game of the series. Bob Walk took the loss (5 2/3 IN, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 W, 3K). Cecil Espy went 2-2 with 2 runs scored, Barry Bonds would score the other run on an error. He went 0-2 with 2 walks.
Andy Van Slyke went 2-5 with 2 RBI's and 2 strikeouts.

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Buccos walk-off with series

      For the second time two days, the Pirates walked-off on the Phillies. This time they did it without needing extra innings thanks in part to the longest single you will see all season. With pinch-runner Josh Harrison standing on third, Andrew McCutchen drove a 3-2 pitch 398 feet off the center field wall bringing most of a crowd of 19,856 into a frenzy.
   
     Starting pitching dominated again as James McDonald (6 H 2 ER 2 BB 3 K) and Vance Worley (5 H 1 ER 1 BB 5 K) both went six. Worley's day went well (78 pitches, 52 strikes) with only a Pedro Alvarez bomb over the right field seats being the only scar to his line. McDonald (82 pitches, 51 strikes) encountered a bit more trouble as he allowed Hunter Pence to double in Shane Victorino in the first then a Homer to Pence in the fourth. Both of the instances were mistake pitches left over the heart of the plate. J-Mac also got into some trouble in the sixth when a Juan Pierre bunt was mishandled by Pedro Alvarez and thrown away advancing him to second. Victorino advanced him to third with a sac bunt but Jimmy Rollins could not get the run home as J-Mac used a curveball in the dirt to punch him out. Clint Hurdle learned from his mistake of not intentionally walking hot-hitting Carlos Ruiz on Thursday by putting Pence (2-2 2RBI) on with two out. Jim Thome would step up next where another knee buckling curveball after four straight fastballs would end the inning.
   
     Both bullpens would again take over with a different outcome then the first two games as Jared Hughes would give up two runs in the seventh. A big factor in the big inning was an error by Neil Walker at first when Hughes fielded a Freddy Galvis bunt and threw it wide of Walker. The error could have been charged to either player. The Bucs would get two back in the bottom of the inning when they would get to Michael Stutes. With one out Pedro Alvarez struck out on a slider in the dirt. The throw, although, wasn't played cleanly by Ty Wiggington and Alvarez was safe. By the end of the inning the Bucs were back within one. Evan Meek would throw an impressive eighth going 1-2-3. The Bucs would tie it up in the bottom when Matt Hague came off the bench to knock in Cutch from third. That was Hague's first Major League hit and RBI. The Hammer (W, 1-0) would make his second non-save situation in a row striking out two. That's his fourth strikeout in two appearances. Casey McGehee would lead off the ninth with his second double of the day and a sac bunt and strikeout later Cutch would step to the plate and knock in the winning run. Pirates take the series 2-1 and will now travel to the west coast for a nine game road trip.

Phillies RBI's: Pence 2, Pierre 2
Pirates RBI's: Alvarez, Presley, McGehee, Hague, McCutchen

Stud/Dud of the game

Stud: Andrew McCutchen - 3-4, RBI, R, SB  Cutch did a bit of everything today which proves why he deserved the large contract extension over the winter. Let's see if this is the Cutch we will see all season, if so, then we could be looking at an MVP candidate.

Dud: Jared Hughes - Two walks, a single, and aiding in the error with Neil Walker led to two Philly runs.

Turning Point
The dropped ball on the Pedro Alvarez strikeout. Wigginton catches it, no runs score, Philly's chances of winning go up greatly.

Final Thoughts

--Pedro Alvarez hit homerun #1, a 430 foot bomb that cleared the right field seats and bounced off of the top riverwalk. Could this be the shot in the arm he needs to jumpstart a good season? or is it a flash in the pan?

--The Pirate bats have started to come around beginning with the Barajas blast last night in the tenth. Since then the Buccos have hit a Homer, Three Doubles, Eight Singles, Two Walks, and Three Stolen Bases.
Smallball looks like it will play another huge part in any Pirate offensive success this season.

--With the good outings by the top three Pirate starters it sets up the question; When Burnett and Morton come off the DL, Who leaves the rotation? I know we have seen only one outing by each but it was against a pretty good Phillies lineup (Minus Utley and Howard mind you, but still good). More to come about this subject in the coming weeks.

--The Bucs are off tomorrow to travel to LA to face the Dodgers on Tuesday.

With tomorrow being an off-day we will look into what could be a resurgence of the Phillies - Pirates rivalry. Look for it before the Pirates series opener with the Dodgers.

This day in 1992

Zane Smith collected win number one as the Bucs defeated the Expos 4-2. Smith went seven innings giving up 2 runs, five hits, and striking out five. Stan Belinda (eesh) picked up the two inning save. Barry Bonds hit a two-run shot in the fourth, Steve Buchelle and Jay bell would record RBI's in the sixth and seventh to end out the scoring.
Andy Van Slyke went 0-2 with 2 walks, a stolen base, and a run.

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Bucs steal one from Phills

     Pitching, a bit of power, and some speed gave the Bucs their first win of the 2012 season as they defeated the Phillies 2-1 in 10. 
     This game would have been a completely different story had it not been for Karstens ability to get the final two outs in the opening inning with runners on first and third. He got Laynce Nix to strike out then John Mayberry to fly out easily to Cutch. He would cruse through the next 5 before getting replaced for a pinch hitter in the 6th (Move worked for hurdle). Karstens went 6 allowing 6 base runners (5 H 1 W), one run (Earned) and striking out 2.
     For the second night in a row Philly starting pitching kept the Bucs in check as Cliff Lee went 6 giving up only 4 base runners (2 H 2 W), one run (Earned) and striking out 4 (Karstens once). Lee did falter in his final inning of work by allowing a one out walk to Yamaico Navarro, followed by a Jose Tabata single. He did get a double-play ball off the bat of Alex Presley but Presley's speed kept the Phills from turning two. One batter later a Lee curveball couldn't be corralled by Carlos Ruiz allowing Navarro to score the tieing run. During the play Lee actually had an easy shot of tagging out Navarro at home but was unable to catch the relay from Ruiz.
     Both bullpens kept each other in check until the bottom of the 10th when the Pirates finally got some offense off of Joe Blanton. Rod Barajas led off the 10th with a shot that hit off the top of the center field wall. Clint Barmes then placed a perfect sac bunt down the third baseline allowing pinch runner, Michael McKenry to advance to third. After a Josh Harrison hit-batsman and a Jose Tabata pop fly, Alex Presley beat out his second slow-roller allowing McKenry to score the winning run. This is the first time I've seen a walk-off in this fashion but Hey, It's the Pirates, We'll take it any way we can. 

Stud/Dud of the game
Stud: Karstens should be getting this but I'm going to give it to Alex Presley. His hustle led to both Pirate runs by beating the throw twice. Yes, the first one was a no-brainer but the second was pure hustle. See why you should sprint the close ones out kids?

Dud: Have to give it to McGehee. He went 0-4 from the plate, left a runner stranded, and had a fielding error at first in the late-innings.

Turning Point
The Cliff Lee wild pitch. A gift wrapped run by one of the leagues more controlled pitchers of the last two years (3 WP in 2010, 0 in 2011). Philly wins 1-0 if not for that instance.

Final Thoughts 
--Pedro Alvarez did not play in this game. I don't think this is cause for alarm. If you read the McEffect blog (@mceffect) then you would understand this is merely a double platoon with McGehee and #FreeMattHague.

--Nate McLouth made his second pinch hit appearance in as many games, this time with the winning runner in scoring position. He would walk on four pitches (Antonio Bastardo wanted nothing to do with him).

--38,885 Attended tonight's game marking the first time in team history that the first two home games of the season were sell-outs. 

--Rubber match of this opening series is tomorrow at 1pm. James McDonald (0-0) vs Vance Worley (0-0) Game will be on Root Sports Pittsburgh and the Pirates Radio Network.


This date in 1992
April 7. 1992: The Buccos were off.

Please feel free to leave comments for me. Any suggestions on how to make the blog better will also be taken into consideration.

   


Friday, April 6, 2012

Well hello there

Welcome to my blog The Lumber Company. This is the place where you will get daily info about your Battlin' Buccos. There will be game review, player info, discussions, and all of the joyous things that go along with a blog by a guy hoping that the day is near when we all can say we are Pirates fans without other people in the room shaking their heads in pity. Anyway, Welcome! and enjoy the show.

Opening Day

    Yesterday Bucco fans were able to breathe again because the Pittsburgh Pirates kicked off their 2012 campaign. Yes, Baseball is finally back and A record crowd of 39,585 (although a large amount of Philly fans attended) watched newly acquired Erik Bedard go toe-to-toe with future Hall of Famer Roy Halladay. Yes, Roy did get the last laugh by pitching a gem in a 1-0 victory over the Bucs, but it gave us the first glimpse of Bedard who looked like the pitcher he was when he went 13-5 for Baltimore in 2007. That year he had a 3.17 ERA while striking out 10.9 batters per 9 innings.* He also placed 5th in Cy Young voting that year. Bedard held the semi-powerful Phillies lineup (Chase Utley and Ryan Howard were not in the lineup due to injury) to 6 hits and 1 run in seven innings of work. He only walked one and struck out 4 (2 were to Halladay). 
     The Pirate offense was non existent which doesn't bother me because of the pitcher they faced. They did start the game off with a single by Alex Presley then a swinging bunt single by Jose Tabata but got no-hit the rest of the way. Now some of you fans are thinking "Hey, it's going to be yet another long year. They got no hit in the last 8 innings of the game." but don't get discouraged so easily, They faced Roy Halladay, the man who is only one of two pitchers to throw a no-hitter in the playoffs. This team should be fine and if they can get the pitching that Erik Bedard showed game 1 then it should be a good summer in the Burgh.

*-http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bedarer01.shtml

Stud/Dud of the game
Stud: Erik Bedard - 7 IN 6 H 1 R 1 ER 4 K 1 W

Dud:  Jose Tabata/Andrew McCutchen - Tabata's poor play on the sac fly that turned out to be the only run of the game should have been a double play. Tabata misplayed the fly ball which, in-turn, caused his set up for the throw home to be off allowing the slow-running Ty Wigginton (Yes, That Ty Wigginton) to score the winning run.
          I can't believe after game 1 I'm already giving Cutch a dud nomination, but he came to the plate in the first with runners on first and second and grounded into a double play. No hits were allowed after that moment in the game for the Bucs. This leads to something I heard from many (including the radio post game) in which they were asking why Cutch didn't bunt in that situation. #HURDLED. Andrew McCutchen is our hitter right now. He posted an .820 OPS last year with 23 HR and 83 RBI's (34 more than in 2010) He only grounded into 7 double plays in 158 games. Yes, I understand his speed and the "surprise factor" as well as the few chances you get to score on "Doc" Halladay but why would you even think about taking the bat out of your best players hand.

Turning Point
Pitching to Carlos Ruiz in the 7th with runners on 2nd and 3rd and one out. Why not pitch around him to get to Freddy Galvis who in his first 2 at bats grounded into 2 Double Plays.#HURDLED

Final Thoughts
--Chris Resop and Juan Cruz pitched the 8th and 9th respectively.
Resop 1 IN 1 H (Halladay Ouch!) 1 W 2 K
Cruz 1 IN 1 H 2 K
--Pedro Alvarez only struck out once in the game and appeared to work the count a bit. Although he missed on a couple of balls that should have been crushed. He also had a nice ovation when announced during the pre game lineups.
--Speaking of ovations, Nate McLouth got a huge one before his pinch-hit at bat with one on in the 8th. He struck out.

Lastly I will be posting a this day in 1992 segment here. Yes, the last year the Pirates did anything.

On this date 4/5/1992 There was no game but on 4/6/92 the Buccos started their season off with a 2-0 shutout of the Montreal Expos at Three Rivers Stadium, Doug Drabek went 8 IN scattering 6 hits while striking out 3 and walking 1. He also helped himself out with an RBI single in the 2nd scoring Steve Buechele. Andy Van Slyke went 0-3 with a Walk. He would also get picked off at first.