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.