A.J. Burnett continues to dominate as he goes seven innings in a 2-1 victory over the first place Reds.
Burnett, again got into trouble in the first by allowing a lead-off double followed by a Pedro Alvarez throwing error setting up first and third. Two batters later, Brandon Phillips hit a sac fly to make it 1-0. That would be the only run because Burnett would retire the next fifteen batters on way to seven strong while only allowing five base runners. Jason Grilli would pitch a perfect eighth striking out two and the Hammer would strike out two to get save number thirteen.
The offense would be held at bay by Reds starter Johnny Cueto as he went seven strong as well. The Bucs got a one-out triple by Garrett Jones in the second and had the bases loaded with two-out but couldn't capitalize. They would capitalize on their only other chance of the game in the sixth. With two-out, Neil Walker drew a walk and Jones would follow with a single setting up Matt Hague with his second chance to get the Bucs on the board. He would succeed by sending a 2-1 cutter off the right-center field scoring both runners.
Starters Lines
Burnett: (W, 4-2) 7 IN, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 K's
Cueto: (L, 5-3) 7 IN, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 5 K's
Turning Point
Hague's 2-run double in the sixth - After stranding a runner on third in his first at bat, Hague would succeed by sending a shot off of the right-center field wall scoring the only two runs for the Bucs.
Stud/Dud of the Game
Stud: Matt Hague - 1-3, Double, 2 RBI's
Dud: Jose Tabata - 0-4, 4 LOB. Although Cutch and Pedro went 0-4 with a strikeout each, they didn't leave 4 runners on base like Jose did.
Final Thoughts
-- The Buccos are 25-25 after 50 games this season while averaging 2.94 runs per game. (via @DavidManel)
-- Jordy Mercer made his first career start at short tonight going 1-4 (first career hit) while making some nice plays in the field as well. Could this be the end of Barmes as starter? Stay tuned.
-- Another struggling Bucco is Jose Tabata who went 0-4 tonight. His average has dropped to .216. I, personally, was looking for Harrison to start in place of Tabata.
This Day in '92
W vs. SF 3-2
Doug Drabek went nine innings but got a no decision as the Pirates walked-off in the tenth. Denny Neagle picked up the win with an inning of relief.
Jay Bell went 2-5 with 2 doubles, an RBI, and a strikeout. Don Slaught knocked in the winning run by way of a sac fly in the tenth.
Andy Van Slyke had the day off.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
J-Mac Owns Reds
James McDonald continued his dominance allowing only six baserunners in eight shutout innings as the Buccos make it back to the .500 mark.
J-Mac encountered some trouble in the third and fifth innings with runners on first and second and no out. He would, both times, get the next three batters to exit the innings unscathed. He seemed ready to go back out in the ninth, but Manager Clint Hurdle decided to end the day for McDonald after 103 pitches. Tony Watson would start the ninth and give up the only run for the Reds with a Chris Heisey two out single. Hurdle would then turn to Hanrahan to get the final out and an extremely easy save for The Hammer.
The offense would again be paced by the bats of Pedro Alvarez, Garrett Jones, and Neil Walker. Alvarez would get the scoring with an RBI double in the first scoring Walker. Jones would follow with an RBI single to make it 2-0 after one. They would get another in the second by way of a Neil Walker double. The Barge would end the scoring with a two out single scoring Pedro after he led off the inning with a double. It's not the numbers the Buccos had in the series finale against the Cubs but it's enough to get the W.
Starters Lines
McDonald: (W,4-2) 8 IN, 5 H, 1 BB, 5 K's
Arroyo: (L, 2-3) 4 IN, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1 K (McDonald)
Turning Point
Reds failed bunt attempt in the third - With runners on first and second, Drew Stubbs laid down a bunt. The bunt was a terrible one and J-Mac was able to get the lead runner at third. They would not score in the inning.
Stud/Dud of the Game
Stud: James McDonald - Dropped his ERA to 2.20 after the eight shutout innings. He has not allowed more than three earned runs in a game this season.
Dud: Clint Barmes - 0-4, 4 LOB.
Final Thoughts
-- The last two games Pedro Alvarez and Garrett Jones are a combined 6-15 (.400) with 2 HR, 3 2B, 8 RBI's, and 4 Runs.
-- Clint Barmes and Casey McGehee are the only regular players to have an AVG under .200. Next lowest is Pedro. (.215 AVG)
-- The Pirates record stands at 24-24 after 48 games. Last year their record stood at 22-26 at this time. A surprising record after you look at the offensive output.
This Day in '92
The Buccos were off. (24-21, 2nd Place 1 1/2 Out)
J-Mac encountered some trouble in the third and fifth innings with runners on first and second and no out. He would, both times, get the next three batters to exit the innings unscathed. He seemed ready to go back out in the ninth, but Manager Clint Hurdle decided to end the day for McDonald after 103 pitches. Tony Watson would start the ninth and give up the only run for the Reds with a Chris Heisey two out single. Hurdle would then turn to Hanrahan to get the final out and an extremely easy save for The Hammer.
The offense would again be paced by the bats of Pedro Alvarez, Garrett Jones, and Neil Walker. Alvarez would get the scoring with an RBI double in the first scoring Walker. Jones would follow with an RBI single to make it 2-0 after one. They would get another in the second by way of a Neil Walker double. The Barge would end the scoring with a two out single scoring Pedro after he led off the inning with a double. It's not the numbers the Buccos had in the series finale against the Cubs but it's enough to get the W.
Starters Lines
McDonald: (W,4-2) 8 IN, 5 H, 1 BB, 5 K's
Arroyo: (L, 2-3) 4 IN, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1 K (McDonald)
Turning Point
Reds failed bunt attempt in the third - With runners on first and second, Drew Stubbs laid down a bunt. The bunt was a terrible one and J-Mac was able to get the lead runner at third. They would not score in the inning.
Stud/Dud of the Game
Stud: James McDonald - Dropped his ERA to 2.20 after the eight shutout innings. He has not allowed more than three earned runs in a game this season.
Dud: Clint Barmes - 0-4, 4 LOB.
Final Thoughts
-- The last two games Pedro Alvarez and Garrett Jones are a combined 6-15 (.400) with 2 HR, 3 2B, 8 RBI's, and 4 Runs.
-- Clint Barmes and Casey McGehee are the only regular players to have an AVG under .200. Next lowest is Pedro. (.215 AVG)
-- The Pirates record stands at 24-24 after 48 games. Last year their record stood at 22-26 at this time. A surprising record after you look at the offensive output.
This Day in '92
The Buccos were off. (24-21, 2nd Place 1 1/2 Out)
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Bucs Walk-Off In Odd Fashion
The Bucs pulled off their fifth walk-off win of the season. This time in rare fashion, a Matt Hague HBP with the bases loaded in the ninth to defeat the Cubs 3-2 in front of a packed PNC Park and a semi-national FOX audience.
Kevin Correia had a shaky start but was able to get out of a couple of rough situations by way of great defense. After retiring the first eight batters he encountered trouble by way of a single and a throwing error. Pedro would save the inning with a barehanded play and throw to gun down Paul Maholm at home. He would allow a run with two out in the fourth and fifth but nothing more. The second major defensive play came in the seventh with Blake Lalli on first and one out. Adrian Cardenas doubled to the right field corner but Lalli would be gunned down at the plate thanks to a perfect relay from Harrison and Walker to Barajas. That would be the last scoring chance the Cubs would have. Brad Lincoln would retire the next four batters and the Hammer would throw a perfect ninth to record his second win of the season.
The offense again did just enough to win the ballgame. The Pirates again showed that they mostly do their damage in bunches when they put a two-spot up in the third. Tabata led off the inning by HBP, J-Hay would sac bunt him to second and Cutch would get intentionally walked. Pedro would then single in a run and Neil Walker would follow with a sac fly. They would not get on the board again until the bottom of the ninth. Tabata would again lead off the inning with a single and J-Hay would follow with a walk. After a deep fly out from Pedro, Neil Walker would draw a walk setting up the oddest way to walk off with a win that I have ever seen. With a 2-2 count Rafael Dolis threw a 4-seam fastball inside hitting Matt Hague which forced in the winning run.
Starters Lines
Correia: 6 1/3 IN, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K's (1 to Maholm)
Maholm: 5 IN, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 2 K's
Turning Point
Matt Hague's HBP - Some of us thought Hague would be walked to end it. (also known as Shrimp) I don't think anyone was thinking a hit batsman would end it.
Stud/Dud of the Game
Stud: Cutch - 2-3, 2 singles, 2 walks, 2 stolen bases, run scored.
Dud: Clint Barmes - 0-4, 2 strikeouts, 5 LOB
Final Thoughts
-- In a season that is just over a quarter of the way done the Pirates have walked-off five times by way of a homer, infield hit, two singles, and a Hit By Pitch.
-- Josh Harrison saw his 10-game hit streak snapped. He went 0-3 with a walk and a strikeout.
-- The Buccos will look to get their first series sweep of the year against the Cubs. (1:35 First Pitch, Bedard vs. Garza)
This Day in '92
L @ SD 6-3
Dennis Lamp gave up a walk-off 3 run shot in the 10th inning for the loss. (1-1)
Jose Lind went 2-3 with 2 singles, a sac, and a run scored.
Andy Van Slyke went 0-3 with an RBI, 2 walks, and 2 stolen bases.
Kevin Correia had a shaky start but was able to get out of a couple of rough situations by way of great defense. After retiring the first eight batters he encountered trouble by way of a single and a throwing error. Pedro would save the inning with a barehanded play and throw to gun down Paul Maholm at home. He would allow a run with two out in the fourth and fifth but nothing more. The second major defensive play came in the seventh with Blake Lalli on first and one out. Adrian Cardenas doubled to the right field corner but Lalli would be gunned down at the plate thanks to a perfect relay from Harrison and Walker to Barajas. That would be the last scoring chance the Cubs would have. Brad Lincoln would retire the next four batters and the Hammer would throw a perfect ninth to record his second win of the season.
The offense again did just enough to win the ballgame. The Pirates again showed that they mostly do their damage in bunches when they put a two-spot up in the third. Tabata led off the inning by HBP, J-Hay would sac bunt him to second and Cutch would get intentionally walked. Pedro would then single in a run and Neil Walker would follow with a sac fly. They would not get on the board again until the bottom of the ninth. Tabata would again lead off the inning with a single and J-Hay would follow with a walk. After a deep fly out from Pedro, Neil Walker would draw a walk setting up the oddest way to walk off with a win that I have ever seen. With a 2-2 count Rafael Dolis threw a 4-seam fastball inside hitting Matt Hague which forced in the winning run.
Starters Lines
Correia: 6 1/3 IN, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K's (1 to Maholm)
Maholm: 5 IN, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 2 K's
Turning Point
Matt Hague's HBP - Some of us thought Hague would be walked to end it. (also known as Shrimp) I don't think anyone was thinking a hit batsman would end it.
Stud/Dud of the Game
Stud: Cutch - 2-3, 2 singles, 2 walks, 2 stolen bases, run scored.
Dud: Clint Barmes - 0-4, 2 strikeouts, 5 LOB
Final Thoughts
-- In a season that is just over a quarter of the way done the Pirates have walked-off five times by way of a homer, infield hit, two singles, and a Hit By Pitch.
-- Josh Harrison saw his 10-game hit streak snapped. He went 0-3 with a walk and a strikeout.
-- The Buccos will look to get their first series sweep of the year against the Cubs. (1:35 First Pitch, Bedard vs. Garza)
This Day in '92
L @ SD 6-3
Dennis Lamp gave up a walk-off 3 run shot in the 10th inning for the loss. (1-1)
Jose Lind went 2-3 with 2 singles, a sac, and a run scored.
Andy Van Slyke went 0-3 with an RBI, 2 walks, and 2 stolen bases.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Burnett and Pen Record Shutout
A.J. Burnett and Co. pitched another strong outing in a 1-0 shutout of the Cubs.
Burnett did encounter some trouble in the first and fifth innings allowing two on with one out in the first before striking out the next two to end the inning. He would allow second and third with two out in the fifth before a nice play by Pedro Alvarez would get him out of that. He would be replaced by Jared Hughes in the sixth after allowing two to reach with one out. Hughes would get out of the jam by retiring the next two. Grilli would strike out the side in the seventh, Cruz would get out of a jam in the eighth, and Hanrahan would record save number eleven by striking the final two batters out with the tieing run on third.
The offense continues to struggle only scoring once on seven hits, but against a Cubs team that is struggling worse at the plate than the Bucs, it would be enough. The lone run came in the second when Pedro singled to right. Matt Hague would ground back to pitcher, Ryan Dempster, but Dempster bobbled the ball trying to turn the double play and could only get the out at first. Rod Barajas then singled Pedro home with Pedro making a nice slide around the catcher to score the only run.
Starters Lines
Burnett: (W, 3-2) 5 1/3 IN, 6 H, 2 BB, 6 K's (1 to Dempster)
Dempster: (L, 0-3) 7 1/3 IN, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K's
Turning Point
The Barge's RBI single in the second. It would be the only run of the game.
Stud/Dud of the Game
Stud: Rod Barajas - 2-4, 2 singles, RBI
Dud: Jose Tabata - 0-4
Final Thoughts
-- A.J Burnett surpassed the 2,000 innings mark after pitching the second inning. He is also 1 win away from 125 career wins.
-- Nate McLouth was designated for assignment earlier in the day but decided to look at other options. Matt Hague was recalled from AAA just hours after hitting a walk-off single in the 15th against Louisville.
-- The four releavers used in the game for the Bucs all have an ERA under 2.70. (Hughes 1.16, Grilli 2.00, Cruz 1.02, Hanrahan 2.70.) Brad Lincoln also has a 1.17 ERA.
This Day in '92 (Thanks to baseball-reference.com)
L @ SD 7-6
Zane Smith game up seven runs in 4 1/3 innings in the loss.
Barry Bonds went 4-5 with 2 singles, a double, a homer, 4 RBI's, 2 runs, and 2 stolen bases. Cecil Espy went 3-5 with with 2 singles, double, an RBI, and a run scored. He was also caught stealing.
Burnett did encounter some trouble in the first and fifth innings allowing two on with one out in the first before striking out the next two to end the inning. He would allow second and third with two out in the fifth before a nice play by Pedro Alvarez would get him out of that. He would be replaced by Jared Hughes in the sixth after allowing two to reach with one out. Hughes would get out of the jam by retiring the next two. Grilli would strike out the side in the seventh, Cruz would get out of a jam in the eighth, and Hanrahan would record save number eleven by striking the final two batters out with the tieing run on third.
The offense continues to struggle only scoring once on seven hits, but against a Cubs team that is struggling worse at the plate than the Bucs, it would be enough. The lone run came in the second when Pedro singled to right. Matt Hague would ground back to pitcher, Ryan Dempster, but Dempster bobbled the ball trying to turn the double play and could only get the out at first. Rod Barajas then singled Pedro home with Pedro making a nice slide around the catcher to score the only run.
Starters Lines
Burnett: (W, 3-2) 5 1/3 IN, 6 H, 2 BB, 6 K's (1 to Dempster)
Dempster: (L, 0-3) 7 1/3 IN, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K's
Turning Point
The Barge's RBI single in the second. It would be the only run of the game.
Stud/Dud of the Game
Stud: Rod Barajas - 2-4, 2 singles, RBI
Dud: Jose Tabata - 0-4
Final Thoughts
-- A.J Burnett surpassed the 2,000 innings mark after pitching the second inning. He is also 1 win away from 125 career wins.
-- Nate McLouth was designated for assignment earlier in the day but decided to look at other options. Matt Hague was recalled from AAA just hours after hitting a walk-off single in the 15th against Louisville.
-- The four releavers used in the game for the Bucs all have an ERA under 2.70. (Hughes 1.16, Grilli 2.00, Cruz 1.02, Hanrahan 2.70.) Brad Lincoln also has a 1.17 ERA.
This Day in '92 (Thanks to baseball-reference.com)
L @ SD 7-6
Zane Smith game up seven runs in 4 1/3 innings in the loss.
Barry Bonds went 4-5 with 2 singles, a double, a homer, 4 RBI's, 2 runs, and 2 stolen bases. Cecil Espy went 3-5 with with 2 singles, double, an RBI, and a run scored. He was also caught stealing.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
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.
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.
Friday, May 18, 2012
If You Thought It Couldn't Get Worse, It Almost Did
Justin Verlander took a no-no into the ninth and with one away Josh Harrison sent a ball up the middle to break it up. One hitter, Bucs lose 6-0.
Charlie Morton took the daunting task of opposing Verlander and did nothing to match him. Morton allowed a one out single, then doubles by Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder made it 2-0 after one. It would be 4-0 in the fourth after a Delmon Young homer and an RBI single by Pittsburgh native, Don Kelly. The final runs would come by way of a Delmon Young 2 RBI double in the sixth off of Chris Resop. Brad Lincoln would throw a scoreless eighth while striking out three.
The offense got one-hit and walked twice.
Starters Lines
Morton: (L, 2-4) 6 IN, 9 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 4 K's
Verlander: (W, 5-1) CG, 1 H, 2 BB, 12 K's
Turning Point
When Jim Leyland wrote Justin Verlander on the lineup card as the starting pitcher.
Stud/Dud of the Game
Stud: Justin Verlander
Dud: The Pirates Lineup
Final Thoughts
-- Many of us predicted or joked about how Justin Verlander was going to no-hit the Bucs. Well he almost did and I was expecting it. I kinda wanted it to happen too because, to me, that is rock bottom, there isn't anyway but up after something like that and I think that's what the Bucs offense needs.
-- The no-no got broken up by DH Josh Harrison. The only problem with this is that Harrison was the DH, not the shortstop. Bench Clint Barmes, put the Barge at DH. Barajas is working on a 5-game hit streak and a 3-hit game last night.
-- The bottom 4 guys in tonight's lineup finished with a batting avg. below .200 for the season. Yikes.
This Day in '92
The Buccos were off.
Andy Van Slyke spent the day mowing the lawn.
Charlie Morton took the daunting task of opposing Verlander and did nothing to match him. Morton allowed a one out single, then doubles by Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder made it 2-0 after one. It would be 4-0 in the fourth after a Delmon Young homer and an RBI single by Pittsburgh native, Don Kelly. The final runs would come by way of a Delmon Young 2 RBI double in the sixth off of Chris Resop. Brad Lincoln would throw a scoreless eighth while striking out three.
The offense got one-hit and walked twice.
Starters Lines
Morton: (L, 2-4) 6 IN, 9 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 4 K's
Verlander: (W, 5-1) CG, 1 H, 2 BB, 12 K's
Turning Point
When Jim Leyland wrote Justin Verlander on the lineup card as the starting pitcher.
Stud/Dud of the Game
Stud: Justin Verlander
Dud: The Pirates Lineup
Final Thoughts
-- Many of us predicted or joked about how Justin Verlander was going to no-hit the Bucs. Well he almost did and I was expecting it. I kinda wanted it to happen too because, to me, that is rock bottom, there isn't anyway but up after something like that and I think that's what the Bucs offense needs.
-- The no-no got broken up by DH Josh Harrison. The only problem with this is that Harrison was the DH, not the shortstop. Bench Clint Barmes, put the Barge at DH. Barajas is working on a 5-game hit streak and a 3-hit game last night.
-- The bottom 4 guys in tonight's lineup finished with a batting avg. below .200 for the season. Yikes.
This Day in '92
The Buccos were off.
Andy Van Slyke spent the day mowing the lawn.
J-Mac, Cutch Pace Bucs to Win
James McDonald took another no-no into the sixth as the Buccos split the two game series with the Nationals with a 5-3 win.
McDonald retired the first thirteen batters, nine coming from strikeouts, before walking Bryce Harper in the fifth. J-Mac would experience trouble in the sixth. He would allow back-to-back doubles to lead off the inning before getting a ground out and strikeout. He wouldn't see the final out though as he would allow a Ryan Zimmerman single and a triple from Adam LaRoche to make the score 4-3. Tony Watson would get the next batter and stop the bleeding. Juan Cruz, Jason Grilli, and Joel Hanrahan would throw three scoreless to close it out.
The offense pounded out ten hits, led by the stellar performance of Andrew McCutchen. Cutch started out the scoring with a solo shot with two out in the first. He crushed another in the third that barely curved foul as it reached the seats. Rod Barajas would add to the long-ball barrage with a two run shot in the fourth and Cutch would add to his total with his second of the game in the sixth. The scoring would be capped off with a Neil Walker fielders choice in the seventh.
Starters Lines
McDonald: (W, 3-2) 5 2/3 IN, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 11 K's
Zimmerman: (L, 2-4) 6 IN, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 6 K's (1 to McDonald)
Turning Point
Tony Watson stranding Adam LaRoche at third in the sixth after three runs crossed the plate. With the tieing run at third, Watson got Bryce Harper to pop out to the catcher to end the threat.
Stud/Dud of the Game
Stud: Cutch - 2-4, 2 homers, 2 RBI's, 2 runs scored.
Dud: Jose Tabata - 0-4, walk, 2 strikeouts, 2 LOB
Final Thoughts
-- Cutch owns the Nationals this year. In the five games this season, Cutch is 10-17 (.588) with 4 homers, 6 singles, 3 walks, 6 RBI's, and 6 runs.
-- J-Mac now has a total of 50 strikeouts after his 11 K performance vs. the Nats. Good for 10th in the majors and 6th in the NL.
-- The Pirates will now travel to Detroit to start interleague play. They will play 3 against the Tigers before the Tigers make a trip to Pittsburgh next month. This is the first time the Bucs will play 2 series against an AL team in one season since interleague started.
This Day in '92 - L 6-5 vs. SD
Randy Tomlin gave up 6 runs on 7 hits in 4 1/3 innings for his third loss.
Jay Bell went 2-5 with a single, double, and 2 RBI's while Gary Varsho went 1-4 with a double and 2 RBI's.
Andy Van Slyke went 3-5 with a single, double, triple, an RBI, run scored and 2 strikeouts.
McDonald retired the first thirteen batters, nine coming from strikeouts, before walking Bryce Harper in the fifth. J-Mac would experience trouble in the sixth. He would allow back-to-back doubles to lead off the inning before getting a ground out and strikeout. He wouldn't see the final out though as he would allow a Ryan Zimmerman single and a triple from Adam LaRoche to make the score 4-3. Tony Watson would get the next batter and stop the bleeding. Juan Cruz, Jason Grilli, and Joel Hanrahan would throw three scoreless to close it out.
The offense pounded out ten hits, led by the stellar performance of Andrew McCutchen. Cutch started out the scoring with a solo shot with two out in the first. He crushed another in the third that barely curved foul as it reached the seats. Rod Barajas would add to the long-ball barrage with a two run shot in the fourth and Cutch would add to his total with his second of the game in the sixth. The scoring would be capped off with a Neil Walker fielders choice in the seventh.
Starters Lines
McDonald: (W, 3-2) 5 2/3 IN, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 11 K's
Zimmerman: (L, 2-4) 6 IN, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 6 K's (1 to McDonald)
Turning Point
Tony Watson stranding Adam LaRoche at third in the sixth after three runs crossed the plate. With the tieing run at third, Watson got Bryce Harper to pop out to the catcher to end the threat.
Stud/Dud of the Game
Stud: Cutch - 2-4, 2 homers, 2 RBI's, 2 runs scored.
Dud: Jose Tabata - 0-4, walk, 2 strikeouts, 2 LOB
Final Thoughts
-- Cutch owns the Nationals this year. In the five games this season, Cutch is 10-17 (.588) with 4 homers, 6 singles, 3 walks, 6 RBI's, and 6 runs.
-- J-Mac now has a total of 50 strikeouts after his 11 K performance vs. the Nats. Good for 10th in the majors and 6th in the NL.
-- The Pirates will now travel to Detroit to start interleague play. They will play 3 against the Tigers before the Tigers make a trip to Pittsburgh next month. This is the first time the Bucs will play 2 series against an AL team in one season since interleague started.
This Day in '92 - L 6-5 vs. SD
Randy Tomlin gave up 6 runs on 7 hits in 4 1/3 innings for his third loss.
Jay Bell went 2-5 with a single, double, and 2 RBI's while Gary Varsho went 1-4 with a double and 2 RBI's.
Andy Van Slyke went 3-5 with a single, double, triple, an RBI, run scored and 2 strikeouts.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
LaRoche Beats Bucs
Erik Bedard made his first start since experiencing back spasms and gave up three long-balls in a 7-4 loss to the Nationals.
Bedard gave up four runs over six innings, three from homers to Ian Desmond in the third and back-to-back shots from former Bucco's Adam LaRoche and Xavier Nady in the sixth. The other run came by way of an RBI ground out in the first by Ryan Zimmerman after Bryce Harper tripled. The Pirates were only down one when Evan Meek came in for the seventh. He would go HBP, strikeout, strikeout, walk, walk, then a bases-clearing double by Adam LaRoche before striking out Nady. Not a good first showing after returning from AAA. Jared Hughes would pitch a perfect eighth.
The offense looked like it had a chance until the Meek implosion due mostly to the play of Josh Harrison. He started the scoring off with an RBI single in the fifth scoring Yamaico Navarro to make it 2-1. He would again cut the Nats lead to one at 4-3 with a two run bomb in the seventh. Casey McGehee would end the scoring in the eighth with a sac fly, scoring Jose Tabata.
Starters Lines
Bedard: (L, 2-5) 6 IN, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 7 K's (1 to Gonzalez)
Gonzalez: (W, 5-1) 7 IN, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 10 K's (2 to Bedard)
Turning Point
Adam LaRoche's bases-clearing double in the seventh. With the Bucs sticking around, Evan Meek loaded the bases and allowed LaRoche to bust the game open for the Nats.
Stud/Dud of the Game
Stud: Josh Harrison - 2-4, single, homer, 3 RBI's, run scored
Dud: Evan Meek - 1 IN, 1 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K's
Final Thoughts
-- It seems to me that Clint Hurdle is going with guys like Meek and McLouth in big situations because he wants to see them succeed more than use guys like Jared Hughes and Garrett Jones to try to win.
-- Adam LaRoche is now 7 -12 with two doubles, three home runs, and 8 RBI's against the Bucs this season.
-- Many of us on twitter were very aggravated with the lineup for tonight's game, especially the 5-8 hitters. We were right, with the exception of J-Hay.Just a very frustrating game to watch with really no power at the bottom of the lineup.
This Day in '92 - L 10-7 vs. SD
Bob Walk gave up 7 runs (6 Earned) over 3 1/3 innings in the loss.
Barry Bonds had 6 RBI's by way of a grand slam, solo shot, and ground out. He also added a single and stolen base in the effort.
Andy Van Slyke went 2-4 with a single, double, walk, 2 runs scored, and a strikeout.
Bedard gave up four runs over six innings, three from homers to Ian Desmond in the third and back-to-back shots from former Bucco's Adam LaRoche and Xavier Nady in the sixth. The other run came by way of an RBI ground out in the first by Ryan Zimmerman after Bryce Harper tripled. The Pirates were only down one when Evan Meek came in for the seventh. He would go HBP, strikeout, strikeout, walk, walk, then a bases-clearing double by Adam LaRoche before striking out Nady. Not a good first showing after returning from AAA. Jared Hughes would pitch a perfect eighth.
The offense looked like it had a chance until the Meek implosion due mostly to the play of Josh Harrison. He started the scoring off with an RBI single in the fifth scoring Yamaico Navarro to make it 2-1. He would again cut the Nats lead to one at 4-3 with a two run bomb in the seventh. Casey McGehee would end the scoring in the eighth with a sac fly, scoring Jose Tabata.
Starters Lines
Bedard: (L, 2-5) 6 IN, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 7 K's (1 to Gonzalez)
Gonzalez: (W, 5-1) 7 IN, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 10 K's (2 to Bedard)
Turning Point
Adam LaRoche's bases-clearing double in the seventh. With the Bucs sticking around, Evan Meek loaded the bases and allowed LaRoche to bust the game open for the Nats.
Stud/Dud of the Game
Stud: Josh Harrison - 2-4, single, homer, 3 RBI's, run scored
Dud: Evan Meek - 1 IN, 1 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K's
Final Thoughts
-- It seems to me that Clint Hurdle is going with guys like Meek and McLouth in big situations because he wants to see them succeed more than use guys like Jared Hughes and Garrett Jones to try to win.
-- Adam LaRoche is now 7 -12 with two doubles, three home runs, and 8 RBI's against the Bucs this season.
-- Many of us on twitter were very aggravated with the lineup for tonight's game, especially the 5-8 hitters. We were right, with the exception of J-Hay.Just a very frustrating game to watch with really no power at the bottom of the lineup.
This Day in '92 - L 10-7 vs. SD
Bob Walk gave up 7 runs (6 Earned) over 3 1/3 innings in the loss.
Barry Bonds had 6 RBI's by way of a grand slam, solo shot, and ground out. He also added a single and stolen base in the effort.
Andy Van Slyke went 2-4 with a single, double, walk, 2 runs scored, and a strikeout.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Correia Knocked Around, Win Streak Snapped
Kevin Correia only lasted 3 1/3 innings giving up six runs on eight hits while walking four in a 6-2 loss to the Marlins.
The damage came in the fourth when the Marlins batted around while tacking on five runs on five hits and two walks. Correia did not retire the side in order in any of the four innings he pitched in. I'm surprised this game didn't end up like it did in St. Louis. Just not a good overall outing tonight by Correia which could be his last for a while. The bullpen (Resop, Watson, Hughes) had another strong outing shutting out the Marlins over the last 4 2/3.
The offense could only produce two runs on six hits but they had opportunities early on. With two out in the first Cutch walked, then Pedro and GFJ would single to make it 1-0. Both guys would advance to second and third on the throw home. Clint Barmes would then line out sharply to third to end the threat. They would threaten again in the third after lead-off singles by Tabata and Walker but Cutch would strikeout and Pedro would ground into an inning-ending double play to end the inning. The Bucs would only get two more hits the rest of the way with the other run coming The Forts second homer of the year.
Starters Lines
Correia: (L, 1-4) 3 1/3 IN, 8 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 4 BB, 1 K
Johnson; (W, 1-3) 7 IN, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K's
Stud/Dud of the Game
Stud: The Fort - Pretty much the only bright spot in the game offensively with a shot over the left field fence. About the same place Barajas hit his the night before.
Dud: Kevin Correia - Need I say more.
Turning Point
The fourth inning. Again, need I say more.
Final Thoughts
-- With Bedard getting the start tomorrow and Karstens nearing 100% it seems that this may be the last start for Correia for a while. Before the A.J. Burnett injury in spring training, It was thought that Correia would be the odd man out of the rotation.
-- Cutch went 1-3 tonight with a walk, run, RBI, and his seventh stolen base of the season. His AVG is now .339.
-- Nate McLouth pinch-hit in the seventh, he grounded out on the first pitch. He's really disappointing to start off the season.
This Day in '92 - L 9-2 vs. SD
Denny Neagle allowed 3 runs and 5 baserunners in 1/3 of an inning in the loss.
Steve Buchelle went 1-4 with a homer and Andy Van Slyke went 1-4 with an RBI single and a strikeout.
The damage came in the fourth when the Marlins batted around while tacking on five runs on five hits and two walks. Correia did not retire the side in order in any of the four innings he pitched in. I'm surprised this game didn't end up like it did in St. Louis. Just not a good overall outing tonight by Correia which could be his last for a while. The bullpen (Resop, Watson, Hughes) had another strong outing shutting out the Marlins over the last 4 2/3.
The offense could only produce two runs on six hits but they had opportunities early on. With two out in the first Cutch walked, then Pedro and GFJ would single to make it 1-0. Both guys would advance to second and third on the throw home. Clint Barmes would then line out sharply to third to end the threat. They would threaten again in the third after lead-off singles by Tabata and Walker but Cutch would strikeout and Pedro would ground into an inning-ending double play to end the inning. The Bucs would only get two more hits the rest of the way with the other run coming The Forts second homer of the year.
Starters Lines
Correia: (L, 1-4) 3 1/3 IN, 8 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 4 BB, 1 K
Johnson; (W, 1-3) 7 IN, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K's
Stud/Dud of the Game
Stud: The Fort - Pretty much the only bright spot in the game offensively with a shot over the left field fence. About the same place Barajas hit his the night before.
Dud: Kevin Correia - Need I say more.
Turning Point
The fourth inning. Again, need I say more.
Final Thoughts
-- With Bedard getting the start tomorrow and Karstens nearing 100% it seems that this may be the last start for Correia for a while. Before the A.J. Burnett injury in spring training, It was thought that Correia would be the odd man out of the rotation.
-- Cutch went 1-3 tonight with a walk, run, RBI, and his seventh stolen base of the season. His AVG is now .339.
-- Nate McLouth pinch-hit in the seventh, he grounded out on the first pitch. He's really disappointing to start off the season.
This Day in '92 - L 9-2 vs. SD
Denny Neagle allowed 3 runs and 5 baserunners in 1/3 of an inning in the loss.
Steve Buchelle went 1-4 with a homer and Andy Van Slyke went 1-4 with an RBI single and a strikeout.
Bucs Win Again, 3 Out of First
Brad Lincoln made a spot-start for an injured Erik Bedard and threw an efficient six innings in a 3-2 win in Miami.
Lincoln allowed five baserunners over six while allowing only two runs, a Hanley Ramirez homer in the first and an Emilio Bonifacio RBI single after a Logan Morrison double. Lincoln retired the Marlins in order three times while throwing only 80 pitches. Jared Hughes, Jason Grilli would both record holds with an inning of scoreless effort each and the Hammer would record his seventh save with a perfect ninth.
The offense did just enough to keep Lincoln's record perfect. Jose Tabata led the game off with a double and scored on an Andrew McCutchen sac fly. The Barge would follow an inning later with his second homer of the season and Pedro would hit a game-winning double in the sixth to finish out the scoring.
Starters Lines
Lincoln: (W, 3-0) 6 IN, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K's (2 to Sanchez)
Sanchez: (L, 2-1) 7 IN, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K's
Stud/Dud of the Game
Stud: Brad Lincoln - After establishing himself as the long-relief guy, Lincoln only allowed two in his spot start while picking up the win.
Dud: Neil Walker - 0-4, strikeout and 1 LOB.
Turning Point
Pedro's go-ahead double in the sixth. In the back-and-forth battle Pedro got the last laugh.
Final Thoughts
-- This is the Pirates third win in a row. Good enough to bring them a game under .500 (17-18) and 3 games back from the first place Cardinals.
-- Alex Presley's slump has dropped his AVG down to .226.
Lincoln allowed five baserunners over six while allowing only two runs, a Hanley Ramirez homer in the first and an Emilio Bonifacio RBI single after a Logan Morrison double. Lincoln retired the Marlins in order three times while throwing only 80 pitches. Jared Hughes, Jason Grilli would both record holds with an inning of scoreless effort each and the Hammer would record his seventh save with a perfect ninth.
The offense did just enough to keep Lincoln's record perfect. Jose Tabata led the game off with a double and scored on an Andrew McCutchen sac fly. The Barge would follow an inning later with his second homer of the season and Pedro would hit a game-winning double in the sixth to finish out the scoring.
Starters Lines
Lincoln: (W, 3-0) 6 IN, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K's (2 to Sanchez)
Sanchez: (L, 2-1) 7 IN, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K's
Stud/Dud of the Game
Stud: Brad Lincoln - After establishing himself as the long-relief guy, Lincoln only allowed two in his spot start while picking up the win.
Dud: Neil Walker - 0-4, strikeout and 1 LOB.
Turning Point
Pedro's go-ahead double in the sixth. In the back-and-forth battle Pedro got the last laugh.
Final Thoughts
-- This is the Pirates third win in a row. Good enough to bring them a game under .500 (17-18) and 3 games back from the first place Cardinals.
-- Alex Presley's slump has dropped his AVG down to .226.
Friday, May 11, 2012
J-Mac Great, Offense Bad
James McDonald pitched eight strong giving up a run while striking out eight but the offense couldn't capitalize on two big opportunities and the Bucs lose 1-0 to the Astros.
J-Mac had yet another outing of giving up a run or less with that run coming in the second when the Bucs elected to get the 5-4-3 double play instead of gunning the runner out at the plate. I'm fine with that play because it came so early and many of us were saying, "Hey, we can easily get that back". Boy, were we wrong. That would be the only real trouble J-Mac would get into the rest of the way. He almost got into more trouble in the sixth when Jed Lowrie hit a shot off the wall but he was gunned down trying to stretch it into the triple. It was a great relay from Tabata to Walker to Alvarez for the putout. Jared Hughes would pitch a perfect ninth.
There really isn't much to say about the offense, unless we want this to be an R-rated blog. They had four hits and wasted two big opportunities in the fourth and sixth innings. Jose Tabata led off the fourth with a triple but Nate McLouth would follow with a pop-out to third. Cutch would follow with a grounder to shortstop Jed Lowrie who would gun down Jose at home. The Buccos would again threaten in the sixth after loading the bases with no out. The Barge would double and be moved to third by way of a Clint Barmes single. J-Mac would reach by way of an error on his sac bunt to load them up but the top of the order would go strikeout, pop out, strikeout to end any hope. That would be the last time they threatened.
Starters Lines
McDonald: (L, 2-2) 8 IN, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 K's (1 to Norris)
Norris: (W, 3-1) 6 IN, 3 H, 8 K's (1 to McDonald)
Stud/Dud(s) of the Game
Stud: James McDonald - Kept the Buccos in the game with his Gem. Too bad he couldn't get any support.
Duds: The Pirate lineup with the exception of Rod Barajas, who had 2 of the team's 4 hits.
Turning Point
The top of the order going strikeout, pop out, strikeout with the bases loaded in the sixth. All they needed was a fly to the outfield and didn't come close.
J-Mac had yet another outing of giving up a run or less with that run coming in the second when the Bucs elected to get the 5-4-3 double play instead of gunning the runner out at the plate. I'm fine with that play because it came so early and many of us were saying, "Hey, we can easily get that back". Boy, were we wrong. That would be the only real trouble J-Mac would get into the rest of the way. He almost got into more trouble in the sixth when Jed Lowrie hit a shot off the wall but he was gunned down trying to stretch it into the triple. It was a great relay from Tabata to Walker to Alvarez for the putout. Jared Hughes would pitch a perfect ninth.
There really isn't much to say about the offense, unless we want this to be an R-rated blog. They had four hits and wasted two big opportunities in the fourth and sixth innings. Jose Tabata led off the fourth with a triple but Nate McLouth would follow with a pop-out to third. Cutch would follow with a grounder to shortstop Jed Lowrie who would gun down Jose at home. The Buccos would again threaten in the sixth after loading the bases with no out. The Barge would double and be moved to third by way of a Clint Barmes single. J-Mac would reach by way of an error on his sac bunt to load them up but the top of the order would go strikeout, pop out, strikeout to end any hope. That would be the last time they threatened.
Starters Lines
McDonald: (L, 2-2) 8 IN, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 K's (1 to Norris)
Norris: (W, 3-1) 6 IN, 3 H, 8 K's (1 to McDonald)
Stud/Dud(s) of the Game
Stud: James McDonald - Kept the Buccos in the game with his Gem. Too bad he couldn't get any support.
Duds: The Pirate lineup with the exception of Rod Barajas, who had 2 of the team's 4 hits.
Turning Point
The top of the order going strikeout, pop out, strikeout with the bases loaded in the sixth. All they needed was a fly to the outfield and didn't come close.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Cutch Homers Again, Pirates Win
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.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Barajas and Burnett Lift Bucs
A.J. Burnett pitched eight strong while striking out ten and Rod Barajas hit a walk-off blast as the Buccos beat the Nationals 5-4.
Burnett set down the first six batters of the game before allowing a lead-off homer to Wilson Ramos in the third. He would allow another run in the fourth before settling down. Bryce Harper led the inning off with a double and would score four batters later by way of a Rick Ankiel single. A.J. would then pitch the last four innings scoreless only allowing a single and a walk. Joel Hanrahan would come in for the ninth and allow a single to Ryan Zimmerman followed by a go-ahead homer by Adam LaRoche. He would get the next two outs before being replaced by Tony Watson who would allow a single before recording the final out. Watson is credited with the win.
The offense would be led by three longballs on the five hits they recorded. In the fourth inning, Andrew McCutchen would hit his first of the season and two batters later Garret would hit his fourth to tie the game at two. The Bucs would then take the lead for a moment in the eighth when Nate McLouth reached by a walk, then moved to third on an error. Neil Walker would score him with a sac-fly to right. The Bucs would win it in the ninth after Alex Presley hit a one-out bloop single. He would reach third on two wild pitches by closer Henry Rodriguez and Rod Barajas would end it with a two-out shot just inside of the left field foul pole to Raise It.
I'll be in attendance to tomorrow night's game. More to come on that tomorrow via Twitter @TheLumberCo.
Starters Lines
Burnett: 8 IN, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 10 K's
Jackson: 7 IN, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K's (1 to Burnett)
Turning Point
Barajas walk-off homer. After being booed earlier in the game, Barajas put PNC Park into a frenzy with his blast that barely squeaked inside the left field foul pole. He would then get the first A.J. Burnett pie in-the-face as a Bucco.
Stud/Dud of the game
Stud: Rod Barajas - Only hit was the deciding one.
Dud: Joel Hanrahan - Unable to close down the game and almost got the loss. (2/3 IN 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER 1 K)
Final Thoughts
-- This win is big for this series. It allows them to go for the series victory tomorrow before having to face Stephen Strasburg on Thursday.
-- Rod's walk-off was the fifth Pirate homer in three games. (Barajas, McCutchen, Jones, Walker, Presley)
-- Tonight's win puts the Bucs at 13-16. Last year, the Bucs were 14-15 after 29 games.
This Day in '92 - W vs. HOU 6-3
Drabek went seven but Stan Belinda picked up win #1 by pitching a scoreless eighth and ninth.
Orlando Merced hit a pinch-hit, bases-clearing double in the eighth to preserve the win. Don Slaught went 2-3 with a single, triple, intentional walk, RBI, and two runs scored.
Andy Van Slyke went 0-3 with an RBI.
Burnett set down the first six batters of the game before allowing a lead-off homer to Wilson Ramos in the third. He would allow another run in the fourth before settling down. Bryce Harper led the inning off with a double and would score four batters later by way of a Rick Ankiel single. A.J. would then pitch the last four innings scoreless only allowing a single and a walk. Joel Hanrahan would come in for the ninth and allow a single to Ryan Zimmerman followed by a go-ahead homer by Adam LaRoche. He would get the next two outs before being replaced by Tony Watson who would allow a single before recording the final out. Watson is credited with the win.
The offense would be led by three longballs on the five hits they recorded. In the fourth inning, Andrew McCutchen would hit his first of the season and two batters later Garret would hit his fourth to tie the game at two. The Bucs would then take the lead for a moment in the eighth when Nate McLouth reached by a walk, then moved to third on an error. Neil Walker would score him with a sac-fly to right. The Bucs would win it in the ninth after Alex Presley hit a one-out bloop single. He would reach third on two wild pitches by closer Henry Rodriguez and Rod Barajas would end it with a two-out shot just inside of the left field foul pole to Raise It.
I'll be in attendance to tomorrow night's game. More to come on that tomorrow via Twitter @TheLumberCo.
Starters Lines
Burnett: 8 IN, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 10 K's
Jackson: 7 IN, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K's (1 to Burnett)
Turning Point
Barajas walk-off homer. After being booed earlier in the game, Barajas put PNC Park into a frenzy with his blast that barely squeaked inside the left field foul pole. He would then get the first A.J. Burnett pie in-the-face as a Bucco.
Stud/Dud of the game
Stud: Rod Barajas - Only hit was the deciding one.
Dud: Joel Hanrahan - Unable to close down the game and almost got the loss. (2/3 IN 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER 1 K)
Final Thoughts
-- This win is big for this series. It allows them to go for the series victory tomorrow before having to face Stephen Strasburg on Thursday.
-- Rod's walk-off was the fifth Pirate homer in three games. (Barajas, McCutchen, Jones, Walker, Presley)
-- Tonight's win puts the Bucs at 13-16. Last year, the Bucs were 14-15 after 29 games.
This Day in '92 - W vs. HOU 6-3
Drabek went seven but Stan Belinda picked up win #1 by pitching a scoreless eighth and ninth.
Orlando Merced hit a pinch-hit, bases-clearing double in the eighth to preserve the win. Don Slaught went 2-3 with a single, triple, intentional walk, RBI, and two runs scored.
Andy Van Slyke went 0-3 with an RBI.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Bucs Get Three-Hit, Lose Series
Charlie Morton, who owned the Reds last year, gave up two homers in a 5-0 loss today.
Morton got behind early in the first by allowing a one out walk to Drew Stubbs, then allowed him to get to third on an errant pickoff attempt to first base. Joey Votto would knock him in with a single to make it 1-0. It seemed the Bucs would get the run back when they loaded the bases with one out. Casey McGehee would line out to third on a nice diving play by Todd Frazier and Nate McLouth would be called out on strikes on a very questionable 3-2 pitch that seemed to be below Nate's knees.
That would be the Pirates lone scoring chance as Mat Latos would allow only two more hits in his six innings of work. The Reds bullpen would only allow a hit over the last three to secure the shutout. Morton would not have the same outcome as he would allow Todd Frazier and Drew Stubbs to hit homers in consecutive innings to put the game out of reach.
It was an all-around ugly day for the Pirates as they would strike out a franchise record seventeen times in the loss.The defense wasn't that good either committing two errors, one which led to a run.
Starters Lines
Morton: (L, 1-3) 6 IN, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 5 K's (2 to Latos)
Latos: (W, 2-2) 6 IN, 2 H, 3BB, 11 K's (1 to Morton)
Turning Point
Nate McLouth's strikeout in the first. Bad call or not, it ended the only chance for runs in the game for the Pirates. Personally, if a pitch is close with two strikes you should be swinging but sometimes it's hard to pull the trigger.
Stud/Dud of the Game
Stud: None (How can I give this to anyone when your team gets three hit and strikes out 17 times)
Dud: Every non-pitcher in the lineup except for Neil Walker. (Walker went 1-3 with a walk and was the only non-pitcher not to strike out)
Final Thoughts
-- This was a very frustrating game to watch. The type that get people talking about 100+ losses. I'm not to that point quite yet. It's only 28 games into the season and the Pirates are still going through the tough part of their schedule.
-- The seventeen strikeouts by Pirate hitters ties a club record for a game. (June 4, 1995 vs. the Dodgers, July 21, 1997 vs. the Phillies)
-- The Pirates will have an off-day on Monday to regroup before finishing the nine-game homestand against Washington and Houston.
This Day in '92 - W/ 16 INN vs. ATL 4-3
The Pirates walked-off in the sixteenth by way of a Don Slaught triple and Jose Lind RBI single. Bob Patterson picked up the win with two scoreless innings for his second win. Barry Bonds went 2-5 with a double, a run scored, 3 walks (1 Intentional), and 2 stolen bases.
Andy Van Slyke went 2-7 with an Intentional Walk.
Morton got behind early in the first by allowing a one out walk to Drew Stubbs, then allowed him to get to third on an errant pickoff attempt to first base. Joey Votto would knock him in with a single to make it 1-0. It seemed the Bucs would get the run back when they loaded the bases with one out. Casey McGehee would line out to third on a nice diving play by Todd Frazier and Nate McLouth would be called out on strikes on a very questionable 3-2 pitch that seemed to be below Nate's knees.
That would be the Pirates lone scoring chance as Mat Latos would allow only two more hits in his six innings of work. The Reds bullpen would only allow a hit over the last three to secure the shutout. Morton would not have the same outcome as he would allow Todd Frazier and Drew Stubbs to hit homers in consecutive innings to put the game out of reach.
It was an all-around ugly day for the Pirates as they would strike out a franchise record seventeen times in the loss.The defense wasn't that good either committing two errors, one which led to a run.
Starters Lines
Morton: (L, 1-3) 6 IN, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 5 K's (2 to Latos)
Latos: (W, 2-2) 6 IN, 2 H, 3BB, 11 K's (1 to Morton)
Turning Point
Nate McLouth's strikeout in the first. Bad call or not, it ended the only chance for runs in the game for the Pirates. Personally, if a pitch is close with two strikes you should be swinging but sometimes it's hard to pull the trigger.
Stud/Dud of the Game
Stud: None (How can I give this to anyone when your team gets three hit and strikes out 17 times)
Dud: Every non-pitcher in the lineup except for Neil Walker. (Walker went 1-3 with a walk and was the only non-pitcher not to strike out)
Final Thoughts
-- This was a very frustrating game to watch. The type that get people talking about 100+ losses. I'm not to that point quite yet. It's only 28 games into the season and the Pirates are still going through the tough part of their schedule.
-- The seventeen strikeouts by Pirate hitters ties a club record for a game. (June 4, 1995 vs. the Dodgers, July 21, 1997 vs. the Phillies)
-- The Pirates will have an off-day on Monday to regroup before finishing the nine-game homestand against Washington and Houston.
This Day in '92 - W/ 16 INN vs. ATL 4-3
The Pirates walked-off in the sixteenth by way of a Don Slaught triple and Jose Lind RBI single. Bob Patterson picked up the win with two scoreless innings for his second win. Barry Bonds went 2-5 with a double, a run scored, 3 walks (1 Intentional), and 2 stolen bases.
Andy Van Slyke went 2-7 with an Intentional Walk.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Bucs use longball to get past Reds
James McDonald dominated the Reds bats in another strong start in a 3-2 win in front of 33,000 plus.
J-Mac would not allow more than one runner to reach base until the seventh when Scott Rolen would knock an RBI single with one out that followed a Jay Bruce triple. Rolen would be McDonald's last batter as he gave way to Juan Cruz, who would get Ryan Ludwick to hit into his second double play of the night. Jason Grilli would give up a run in the eighth while striking out two and the Hammer would pitch a perfect ninth to record his fifth save.
The Bucco bats were only able to get six hits against the Reds pitching staff, but two of them would find their way over the fence which would be enough to get the victory. Jose Tabata would hit his fifth double of the season with two outs in the third. Neil Walker would follow with his first homer of the year, a two run shot into the Clemente seats to give the Bucs a 2-0 lead. After the Reds cut the lead to 2-1 in the seventh, Alex Presley would get the lead back to two with his second homer of the season, a shot to right center.
Pedro Alvarez started his first game as cleanup hitter and recorded two walks in an 0-2 night.
Starters Lines
McDonald: (W, 2-1) 6 1/3 IN, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K's (1 to Leake)
Leake: (L, 0-4) 7 IN, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 4 K's (1 to McDonald)
Stud/Dud of the game
Stud: Neil Walker - 2-4 with a single, homer, 2 RBI's, and a run scored.
Dud: Clint Barmes - 0-4 with 2 strikeouts and 4 left on base
Turning Point
Neil Walker's 2 run blast in the third. It put the Bucs ahead to stay.
Final Thoughts
-- Andrew McCutchen has yet to hit a homer this season. (He leads the team with a .298 avg.)
-- The Pirates are now 3-5 against NL Central opponents. (9-10 vs. rest of NL)
-- Only four relievers have been used in the first two games of this homestand. A breath of fresh air for Clint Hurdle who had to use the pen way too much in the series in St. Louis that ended three days ago.
This day in '92 - W @ Cin 5-2
Paul Miller got the win with 2/3 of an innings relief work. Jose Lind, Steve Buechele, Gary Varsho and Andy Van Slyke would all record RBI's in the game.
Van Slyke would go 3-4 with a single, double, homer, RBI, and 3 runs scored.
J-Mac would not allow more than one runner to reach base until the seventh when Scott Rolen would knock an RBI single with one out that followed a Jay Bruce triple. Rolen would be McDonald's last batter as he gave way to Juan Cruz, who would get Ryan Ludwick to hit into his second double play of the night. Jason Grilli would give up a run in the eighth while striking out two and the Hammer would pitch a perfect ninth to record his fifth save.
The Bucco bats were only able to get six hits against the Reds pitching staff, but two of them would find their way over the fence which would be enough to get the victory. Jose Tabata would hit his fifth double of the season with two outs in the third. Neil Walker would follow with his first homer of the year, a two run shot into the Clemente seats to give the Bucs a 2-0 lead. After the Reds cut the lead to 2-1 in the seventh, Alex Presley would get the lead back to two with his second homer of the season, a shot to right center.
Pedro Alvarez started his first game as cleanup hitter and recorded two walks in an 0-2 night.
Starters Lines
McDonald: (W, 2-1) 6 1/3 IN, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K's (1 to Leake)
Leake: (L, 0-4) 7 IN, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 4 K's (1 to McDonald)
Stud/Dud of the game
Stud: Neil Walker - 2-4 with a single, homer, 2 RBI's, and a run scored.
Dud: Clint Barmes - 0-4 with 2 strikeouts and 4 left on base
Turning Point
Neil Walker's 2 run blast in the third. It put the Bucs ahead to stay.
Final Thoughts
-- Andrew McCutchen has yet to hit a homer this season. (He leads the team with a .298 avg.)
-- The Pirates are now 3-5 against NL Central opponents. (9-10 vs. rest of NL)
-- Only four relievers have been used in the first two games of this homestand. A breath of fresh air for Clint Hurdle who had to use the pen way too much in the series in St. Louis that ended three days ago.
This day in '92 - W @ Cin 5-2
Paul Miller got the win with 2/3 of an innings relief work. Jose Lind, Steve Buechele, Gary Varsho and Andy Van Slyke would all record RBI's in the game.
Van Slyke would go 3-4 with a single, double, homer, RBI, and 3 runs scored.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Buccos open homestand with loss
Kevin Correia helped the pen by going seven but allowed five runs in a 6-1 loss to the Reds in the first of a three game set.
Correia allowed three of the five runs to score with two outs. A bunt single in the second, a double in the fourth and a single in the fifth. The last two would come by way of back-to-back homers in the seventh by Zack Cozart and Drew Stubbs. Correia would finish the inning before handing the ball over to Chris Resop. Correia finished with 107 pitches on 71 strikes. This could explain the reason for the back-to-back shots, but with the bullpen being used as much as it did during the last three days you need a starter to extend his innings past their "comfort zone". This should help the pen for the rest of the nine game homestand.
Resop would come in for the eighth and give up a lead-off shot to Jay Bruce to close out the scoring. He would get into more trouble in the ninth by walking three before ending the threat by getting a pop-out.
The Bucco offense would only get one chance to break the scoreboard against Johnny Cueto who has been lights-out against the Pirates over his career. That one chance came in the fourth. After lead-off singles by Nate McLouth and Neil Walker, Pedro Alvarez sent a sac-fly to left to cut the score to 2-1. Garrett Jones would then erase Walker by way of a fielders choice before Clint Barmes double down the line to left. Jones would be given the green light home and be thrown out by a good five feet. With two-out and the 8 hitter on deck I think it wasn't a bad idea to send Jones. Cueto would only allow two base runners the rest of the way in a complete game effort.
Starters Lines
Correia: (L, 1-2) 7 IN, 9 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 3 K's (1 to Cueto)
Cueto: (W, 4-0) CG, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 K's
Turning Point
Jones being sent home on the Barmes double. If Jones is held at third then you would have second and third with two out and Barajas at the plate. Like I said earlier I liked sending Jones because A)The Reds would have walked Barajas to get to Correia. B) Barajas hasn't established his hitting at all yet. He's batting .140 on the season.
Stud/Dud of the game
Stud: Nate McLouth - 2-4 with two singles and a run scored.
Dud: Chris Resop - 2 IN, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K (To Cueto)
Final Thoughts
-- The Pirates are 7-8 over their last 15 games. Good enough for the ones eyeing .500, but is that even good enough?.
-- Only Clint Barmes, Rod Barajas, and Josh Harrison are hitting under the Mendoza line. (Harrison only points under the line) This is looking a lot better than around this time a week ago.
-- Two games of six run's given up along with the horror show that was Wednesday night has jumped the team ERA to 3.44, which is down to 10th in the majors. (8th in the NL)
This day in '92 - 12-5 W @ CIN
Dennis Lamp got win #1 in an innings work of relief for Zane Smith, who gave up five in five innings. Six Pirates would have RBI's in the game, led by Jose Lind's 3, followed by Van Slyke with 2, and four others with 1.
Andy Van Slyke would go 4-5 with a double, 2 RBI's and a run scored. That would bump his avg. to .342 on the season.
Correia allowed three of the five runs to score with two outs. A bunt single in the second, a double in the fourth and a single in the fifth. The last two would come by way of back-to-back homers in the seventh by Zack Cozart and Drew Stubbs. Correia would finish the inning before handing the ball over to Chris Resop. Correia finished with 107 pitches on 71 strikes. This could explain the reason for the back-to-back shots, but with the bullpen being used as much as it did during the last three days you need a starter to extend his innings past their "comfort zone". This should help the pen for the rest of the nine game homestand.
Resop would come in for the eighth and give up a lead-off shot to Jay Bruce to close out the scoring. He would get into more trouble in the ninth by walking three before ending the threat by getting a pop-out.
The Bucco offense would only get one chance to break the scoreboard against Johnny Cueto who has been lights-out against the Pirates over his career. That one chance came in the fourth. After lead-off singles by Nate McLouth and Neil Walker, Pedro Alvarez sent a sac-fly to left to cut the score to 2-1. Garrett Jones would then erase Walker by way of a fielders choice before Clint Barmes double down the line to left. Jones would be given the green light home and be thrown out by a good five feet. With two-out and the 8 hitter on deck I think it wasn't a bad idea to send Jones. Cueto would only allow two base runners the rest of the way in a complete game effort.
Starters Lines
Correia: (L, 1-2) 7 IN, 9 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 3 K's (1 to Cueto)
Cueto: (W, 4-0) CG, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 K's
Turning Point
Jones being sent home on the Barmes double. If Jones is held at third then you would have second and third with two out and Barajas at the plate. Like I said earlier I liked sending Jones because A)The Reds would have walked Barajas to get to Correia. B) Barajas hasn't established his hitting at all yet. He's batting .140 on the season.
Stud/Dud of the game
Stud: Nate McLouth - 2-4 with two singles and a run scored.
Dud: Chris Resop - 2 IN, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K (To Cueto)
Final Thoughts
-- The Pirates are 7-8 over their last 15 games. Good enough for the ones eyeing .500, but is that even good enough?.
-- Only Clint Barmes, Rod Barajas, and Josh Harrison are hitting under the Mendoza line. (Harrison only points under the line) This is looking a lot better than around this time a week ago.
-- Two games of six run's given up along with the horror show that was Wednesday night has jumped the team ERA to 3.44, which is down to 10th in the majors. (8th in the NL)
This day in '92 - 12-5 W @ CIN
Dennis Lamp got win #1 in an innings work of relief for Zane Smith, who gave up five in five innings. Six Pirates would have RBI's in the game, led by Jose Lind's 3, followed by Van Slyke with 2, and four others with 1.
Andy Van Slyke would go 4-5 with a double, 2 RBI's and a run scored. That would bump his avg. to .342 on the season.
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