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.
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