Crotta Walks In Winning Run, Rockies Take Three Of Four From Bucs At PNC Park

By Zane Heiple

Photo Credit: AP

If patience is a virtue, the Colorado Rockies are full of it then.  Seven total walks, including two in the first inning, helped them jump out to a 4-0 lead and then three more in the seventh put them back on top for a 6-5 win over the Pirates.

James McDonald got the start for Pittsburgh and early on it looked like he would be a part of the woes that is a Buccos’ home Sunday game.  But after giving up four runs in the first, he settled in and finished his day after 6.2 innings, five earned runs, three strikeouts, and three walks.  With his limited work during Spring Training, it may take a few starts for James to find his groove.

The Pirates began to chip away at the lead in the second inning.  A Ronny Cedeno sacrifice fly to center field scored Pedro Alvarez to make it a 4-1 game.  Pittsburgh tied it in the third when Andrew McCutchen scored Jose Tabata on a single.  With runners on second and third, Lyle Overbay tied the game with a double.  The fourth inning saw the Buccos take a one-run lead when Neil Walker grounded out to first, scoring McDonald from third.

FFTS Pre-Game:

Unfortunately, Pittsburgh’s bullpen couldn’t hold the one-run lead.  Clint Hurdle replaced McDonald with two outs and a runner on first in the seventh inning.  Mike Crotta came in and walked the first batter he faced, gave up an RBI single to Jason Giambi, walked the bases loaded, and finally walked the winning run home.  Daniel McCutchen got Jose Lopez to pop out to Cedeno to end the inning, but the damage was done.

Coming to a four-game series, I think, as fans, we hope to at least earn a split.  After a home-opener blowout, the Buccos had a chance to win the next three, but only got one win.  This series showed that they still have a lot of work to do before they can contend for division and wild card titles. 

FFTS Post-Game:

With the Milwaukee Brewers coming into town to start a three-game series on Tuesday, the Pirates will need to step up their game quickly if they hope to salvage this home stand.

Record Vs. Rockies: 1-3

Record Vs. N.L. West: 1-3

Record At Home: 1-3

Overall Record: 5-5

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!