Bucs Lose Series to Mets

     Charlie Morton only allowed three in seven innings but the offense continues to be horrible as the Bucs drop the series 3-1.

     Morton only trailed 1-0 on five hits going into the fifth before allowing two singles, a sac fly, and a David Wright RBI double to make it 3-0. Jason Grilli would come into the eighth and strike out the side and Brad Lincoln would pitch a perfect ninth while striking out one.

     The offense, surprisingly, had chances in this game to tie it up. They would get on the board in the sixth after Josh Harrison led the inning off with a double. Cutch would then single him in to make it 3-1. They would threaten again in the eighth. Barmes would single and Gorkys Hernandez would hold off on two close pitches to walk with two out. They would each advance into scoring position on an errant pick-off attempt but Cutch would strikeout to end the threat and any chance at a comeback. Bucs Lose Again.

Starters Lines
Morton: (L, 2-5) 7 IN, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 K
Niese: (W, 3-2) 7 2/3 IN, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K's ( 1 to Morton)

Turning Point
Cutch's strikeout to end the eighth with the tieing runner on second. Hey, he can't be the savior every time.

Stud/Dud of the Game
Stud(s): The Bucco Bullpen - 2 IN, 0 H, 4 K's

Dud: Neil Walker - 0-4, 2 K's, GIDP when the Bucs finally seemed to start getting some offense.


Final Thoughts
-- It's insane to think that a team with such a terrible offense right now is only 4 1/2 out of first and 4 games under .500 and with the Cubs coming in to PNC for the next three games it's possible that those numbers could improve.

-- Josh Harrison continues to thrive with a double and a run scored today. He is currently on a nine game hitting streak and over that time he is 12-34 (.352) with a homer, a walk, 4 RBI's, and 8 runs scored.

-- Gorkys Hernandez made his first Major League start in left field today. He went 0-3 with a walk and still is yet to find his first Major League hit.

This Day in '92 - @ LAD L 5-4
     Vicente Palacios went seven allowing only one run on six hits but Stan Belinda would give up a walk-off three run shot.
     Andy Van Slyke would go 1-2 with an RBI single and 3 walks.