Erik Bedard pitched only an inning before leaving with back spasms but Brad Lincoln along with four other relievers combined to allow just two runs in a 4-2 win.
Bedard needed only five pitches to get out of the first and threw a strike to start the second before leaving the game suddenly with back spasms. Brad Lincoln would come in and sit down the next hitters before encountering some problems in the fourth. He would walk Bryce Harper (Harper's only time on base all day) with one out then follow up with a strikeout. An error by Pedro Alvarez, who was playing the shift, would allow Adam LaRoche to reach and Xavier Nady would follow with an RBI single to plate the only run Lincoln would allow (Unearned). Jared Hughes would come in for two innings of work allowing a hit and a walk while striking out four. Juan Cruz would be next and allow the only other National run by way of a double, wild pitch, and sac-fly. Jason Grilli and Joel Hanrahan would pitch an inning each to end the game. Grilli would get two bases-loaded strikeouts to get out of the eighth and the Hammer would get a fly-out and strikeout to get the save with the tieing run on second base.
The Bucco offense would be efficient yet again scoring four times on eight hits. They would start the scoring in the third with one out, Brad Lincoln would strike out but reach base when the pitch in the dirt reached the backstop. Jose Tabata would follow with a would-be double-play ball but the ball deflected off of starter Ross Detwiler's foot and roll into right field.The 2-3-5 hitters would all single to make the score 3-0 with the final run of the inning coming by way of Andrew McCutchen scoring from second on an infield hit. Cutch would finish the scoring by way of a solo shot into the left-field bleachers.
It was a very enjoying game to watch, other than the fact Bedard got hurt and we all hope he can come back quick. I figured there would be more people there due to the fact that Bryce Harper was in town but only 11,400+ showed. I'm guessing there will be more at the park tomorrow to watch Stephen Strasburg.
Starters Lines (Well, Sorta)
Lincoln: (W, 2-0) 3 IN, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K's (1 to Detwiler)
Detwiler: (L, 3-2) 6 IN, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 K's (2 to Lincoln)
Stud/Dud of the game
Stud: Cutch - 4-4, 3 singles, a homer, 2 RBI's, 2 runs. Not Josh Hamilton like, but still a great day.
Dud: Clint Barmes - Pinch-hit in the seventh and struck-out looking. You have one chance to be at the plate and you don't swing at a close pitch with two strikes. Yikes.
Turning Point
The events of the third inning. Lincoln strikes out on a pitch in the dirt, yet reaches when the catcher couldn't keep the ball in front of him then Tabata would follow with a ball off of the pitchers foot and into right field. The pitcher stays away from the ball and its possibly an inning-ending DP and the outcome is completely different. Baseball is a crazy, crazy game.
Final Thoughts
-- Since returning to the lineup from the Flu, Cutch is 5-6 with 2 BB's, 3 singles, 2 homers, 2 RBI's and 3 runs scored. His average is now .330.
-- After 30 games the Pirates stand in the same position they did last year at 14-16. Although, this years start to the year has been much tougher, playing the top 3 teams from the NL West, the Braves for 4, the Phillies for 3, and the NL Leading Cardinals for 6.
-- Joel Hanrahan picked up save #6 tonight. He will now be put on the bereavement list so he can attend the funeral of his grandmother. Condolences go to Joel and his family for their loss.
-- Props to Alex Presley tonight. A fan who was sitting in front of me had "dropped" his sunglasses on to the warning track during the eighth inning. Instead of letting the bullpen officer grab the glasses for the fan, Presley generously gave the glasses back to the fan between batters. Class act Alex, I know most players would ignore something like that due to selfishness.
-- It's good to see the Buccos win the series before having to face Strasburg. It's going to be a test tomorrow and I feel a bit better knowing we will be out of this series at least a game better than when we came into it.
This Day in '92 - W vs. HOU 3-0
Zane Smith improved to 5-1 as he pitched a complete game seven-hit shutout against the Astros.
Barry Bonds, Jose Lind, and Jeff King all had RBI's for the Bucs with Bonds' coming by way of his ninth homer of the year.
Andy Van Slyke went 0-3 with a walk.
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