Pirates Fall in Baltimore

     Brad Lincoln didn't have his best stuff and Chris Resop couldn't stop the bleeding as the Buccos fell 8-6.

     Lincoln only lasted 4 1/3 innings while giving up four runs, three by way of homer, on nine hits. Juan Cruz got the final two outs. Chris Resop came in for the fifth and didn't do much better than Lincoln as he gave up four runs on three hits with one of them being a two run shot by Chris Davis.Doug Slaten Would pitch the final two innings without allowing a run. He still hasn't allowed a run in the Majors this year.

     The offense yet again didn't quit after falling behind 8-2 after the sixth. They got their only lead of the game in the first after a Matt Hague single made it 1-0. They would cut the Orioles lead to 4-2 in the sixth when Casey McGehee knocked his second homer of the year over the right field fence. They would get the tieing runner to the on-deck circle in the ninth with one out after Neil Walker sent a two run shot of his own into the left field seats to make it 8-6. Cutch and McGehee would be retired to end it.

                                                                 Starters Lines
     Lincoln: (L, 3-2) 4 1/3 IN, 9 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 3 K's
     Chen: (W, 6-2) 6 1/3 IN, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4 K's

                                                                 Turning Point
     2 Errors to start the bottom of the sixth - Clint Barmes started the inning off with a throwing error which allowed Steve Pearce to reach. He would be bunted to second on what seemed to be a sacrifice by Endy Chavez. Resop would field the bunt and throw it away allowing both to advance a base. Three batters later there was a four spot on the scoreboard. BAL 8 - PIT 2.

                                                            Stud/Dud of the Game
     Stud: Neil Walker 2-5, double, homer, 3 RBI's, run scored
    
     Dud: Pedro Alvarez 0-4, 2 strikeouts, 2 LOB

                                                                 Final Thoughts
-- The Reds defeated the Indians tonight to take first place by a game. For those of you saying "Well first place was fun while it lasted, better luck next year" you're crazy. The Buccos fought till the end knocking out ten hits. They had a four game winning streak going into this game, they weren't going to finish the season by going 100-0 they WILL lose games.
    
     If you are a true Pirates fans you will celebrate the great run that the Bucs have been on these last three weeks even if others are questioning you for doing it so early in the season, but remember in the back of your mind that it may not last. So if that happens (I really hope it won't) don't jump off of the Clemente bridge. 

This PSA has been brought to you by The Lumber Company, Thank You. 

--  The first four batters in Orioles lineup (Roberts, Hardy, Davis, Jones) went combined 11 for 19, including 2 homers and 6RBIs. (Via @BiertempfelTrib) 


-- Clint Hurdle said in his post-game statement that Brad Lincoln will start in Cleveland on Saturday. I'd rather give Rudy Owens or Justin Wilson a chance at a spot start. Both are doing extremely well in AAA.


                                                                This Day in '92
                                                                W @ NYM 3-2
     Randy Tomlin picked up his 8th victory by going 7 1/3 innings while only giving up 2 runs on 5 hits.
     Don Slaught went 3-4 with 3 singles. Jeff King went 1-4 with a solo shot.
     Andy Van Slyke went 1-3 with a triple, a walk, and a run scored.