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.