A.J. Burnett did his usual thing, Sloppy first (2 ER) then pretty dominant the rest of the way to pull the Bucs within two games of first with an 8-4 win over the Reds.
Burnett allowed two singles and a walk while allowing two runs in the first before allowing six baserunners the rest of the way before being pulled with runners on first and third with no out in the sixth. Chris Resop would come in and mop things up only allowing one of those inherited runners to score via sac fly. He would also pitch a scoreless eighth after allowing two to reach scoring position. Tony Watson would pitch a hitless eighth and Juan Cruz would get into trouble in the ninth allowing Joel Hanrahan to get another easy save. Cruz would allow three straight singles and an earned run before the Hammer struck the next three out to end it.
The offense looked great again putting up 8 runs and 12 hits. Three of those hits coming by way of long balls by Neil Walker (2 run), and solo shots by Casey McGehee (his first), and Alex Presley. McGehee would total 2 RBI's with the homer in the fifth and a single in the second. Clint Barmes would have 3 RBI's with a double in the second and a 2 RBI single in the third. The Bucs bats knocked out Reds starter, Homer Bailey after three innings. This should help in the long run considering only after one game in the series the Reds bullpen already has seven innings logged.
Worth noting: Alex Presley went 2-5 with a triple and a solo homer in his first game back from Indy. (via @BrinkPG)
Starters Lines
Burnett: (W, 5-2) 5+ IN, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 8 K's
Bailey: (L, 4-4) 3 IN, 8 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 BB, 2 K's (1 to Burnett)
Turning Point
Garrett Jones' stolen base in the second. - Yes, I said Jones stole a base in the second after a leadoff single. It opened the floodgates in the tune of 8 runs.
Stud/Dud of the Game
Stud: Clint Barmes - #AlwaysSmooth went 3-4 with his 2 singles, a double, and 3 RBI's
Dud: Cutch - 1-5 with a single and 2 strikeouts. He would be thrown out trying to advance to second on a passed ball after his only hit.
Final Thoughts
-- The Buccos have won their last four series against NL Central teams (9-3) and go for their fifth in a row tomorrow against the Reds.
-- In his six starts since his meltdown in St. Louis, Burnett is 4-0 while pitching 39 1/3 innings and allowing 9 earned runs. Not too bad of a trade now is it Pirate fans?
-- Brad Lincoln will make a spot start for the Bucs tomorrow in place of injured Charlie Morton, who is on the 15 day DL. Lincoln's only other start went 6 innings, only allowing 4 hits and 2 earned runs in a win in Miami. Those are the only 2 earned runs he has allowed all season. 1 ER in 20 innings of relief.
This Day in '91
W 5-4 vs. NYM
Stan Belinda got the win pitching a scoreless ninth as the Buccos walked-off with the win.
Starter Zane Smith went 1-3 with a 2 RBI triple while Lloyd McClendon had the pinch-hit game winning single in the ninth scoring Jay Bell.
Andy Van Slyke went 2-3 with a single, solo shot, RBI, 2 walks, a stolen base, and a run.
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