Tabata Has Big Night, Pirates Win In 14 Innings

By Zane Heiple

Photo Credit: AP

After losing to the Rockies 7-1 on Opening Day, the Pirates were looking to even the four game series up at 1-1 on a cold and rainy night at PNC Park.  Pittsburgh faced their first left-handed pitcher of the year in Rockies’ starter Jorge De La Rosa.  The Pirates countered with Ross Ohlendorf, who had a rough start to the game, giving up three runs on three hits in the first inning.  He left the game in the third inning with right shoulder soreness.  Hopefully it is nothing serious and Ross will be able to make his next start on Thursday against the San Diego Padres.

With their starter leaving early due to injury, the bullpen would be the ones to put the Buccos on their back tonight.  Jeff Karstens pitched the next 3.1 innings allowing two hits, three walks and five strikeouts.  Mike Crotta, Jose Veras, and Joel Hanrahan pitched all an inning a piece.  Chris Resop pitched inning ten through twelve, striking out two, walking three and allowing two hits.  Scott Olsen picked up the win for the Pirates after pitching two innings, while walking one and striking out one.

FFTS Pre-Game

Pittsburgh’s bats would strike in the fourth inning.  With runners on second and third with one out, Matt Diaz grounded out to Ty Wigginton, scoring Neil Walker from third.  The Pirates cut the lead to one in the fifth when Jose Tabata hit his first homerun of the year, a solo shot to center field.  One inning later the Buccos tied the game at three, when Jason Jaramillo singled to left field scoring Lyle Overbay.  That would be all the scoring until the bottom of the fourteenth, which is when Tabata would double off the Clemente wall in right field, scoring Josh Rodriguez to lead the Pirates to a 4-3 win over the Rockies.

FFTS Post-Game:

This was an important win for the Pirates, since they avoided going into a 2-0 hole.  Ronny Cedeno made another error in the field, his second of the season and Olsen made one when he couldn’t pick up a bunt attempt with his glove.  Note to Olsen, when fielding a bunt like that, go with the bare hand.  With everyone in the bullpen, except for Evan Meek, being used in this game, it is very important that Charlie Morton have a good start against the Rockies on Saturday.  If he can go seven and allow Meek and Hanrahan the chance to close it out in the eighth and ninth, then Pirates’ fans will once again be leaving PNC Park with their heads held high.

Record Vs. Rockies: 1-1
Record Vs. N.L. West: 1-1
Record At Home: 1-1
Overall Record: 5-3

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!