Bucs Play Sloppy, Lose 8-3

     Jeff Karstens made his first start since coming off of the DL and didn't get the welcome back he expected as the Buccos fell 8-3.

     We knew it would be a long one from the start when the Pirates played their worst defensive inning of the year in the first. Jose Tabata committed two throwing errors while showing some lack of hustle and Pedro added a throwing error himself all aiding in a four run first for the Phillies. Karstens would allow a run scoring single in the third and a two run shot by Jimmy Rollins in the fourth. All together it was a mix of errors, tough luck singles and some major league rust that doomed Karstens. I still see him as being a better pitcher than Lincoln and Correia but time will tell.

     The other Phillies run would come by way of a bases loaded walk given up by Doug Slaten in the seventh. Jared Hughes would pitch a perfect eighth.

     The Pirate bats didn't have it tonight as they scored three runs on eight hits. The Pirates had first and second with no out in the second but Clint Barmes would  GIDP to end that chance.. Jose Tabata led the scoring off in the third with a solo shot in the third. Clint Barmes would get an RBI single in the fourth after Neil Walker led the inning off with a double. The final run would come by way of a Cutch single in the fifth after Tabata reached by way of a throwing error. Other than that the Pirates were 3-16 with runners on base.

     Nobody said the Pirates were going to play undefeated or lose games by a run or two. They will get beat by a large margin at times but what team doesn't. With the team's three best starters coming up there should be no reason to panic.


                                                                       Starters Lines
     Karstens: (L, 0-2) 5 IN, 11 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 4 K's (1 to Blanton)
     Blanton: (W, 7-6) 7 IN, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 8 K's (2 to Karstens)


                                                                       Turning Point
     Barmes GIDP in the second. Trailing 4-0, the Buccos got back-to-back singles to start off the inning. Barmes would then follow with the GIDP ending the chance of getting back into the game early on.

                                                                  Stud/Dud of the Game
     Stud: The Fort - McKenry went 2-4.

     Dud: Tabata - The two errors and possible lack of hustle lead to an early deficit and got Karstens pitch count up.

                                                                       Final Thoughts
-- Rod Barajas left the game early after twisting his knee in a home plate collision with Jimmy Rollins. X-Rays were negative and he is listed as day-to-day.

-- The Reds won tonight giving them a 2 game advantage in the Central.

-- The Pirates acquired infielder Drew Sutton off of waivers. He was with the Pirates for a day back in May before being traded to the Rays for cash. He will join the team tomorrow.