Another Strong Start From McDonald Helps Pirates Beat Mets 5-1

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: AP

So far this season, the Pittsburgh Pirates have done much better than expected.  Predicted by most to have a record similar to that of last season, the Buccos have maintained a mark within (and not lower than) five games under .500.  Coming into tonight’s game against the New York Mets, the Pirates were in danger of dropping to 24-29, and a disappointing series in New York could lead to the downfall that is characteristic of most Pirates’ seasons as of late.

The Pirates had a chance to get on the board early tonight off Mets’ starter R.A. Dickey…but after a leadoff double by Jose Tabata, the next three batters were retired, and the Buccos left a runner on base in the first frame.

The Mets also led off the first inning with a double by Angel Pagan.  Unlike the Pirates, however, the Mets were able to bring the run home.  Jason Bay hit a dribbler down the third base line, and beat out James McDonald’s throw to first base, allowing Pagan to score from the third.  The Mets had the early advantage, 1-0. 

The Pirates stranded two more batters in the third inning, after Tabata reached base on a walk and Josh Harrison recorded his first Major League hit, Andrew McCutchen struck out (for the second time in the game) to end the inning.

Ronny Cedeno led off the eighth inning with a single, giving the Pirates their first base runner in five innings.  After a pop up out on a bunt attempt from Dusty Brown, Matt Diaz went down on strikes for the second out of the inning.  Tabata was hit by a pitch, putting two men on base, with two outs, and Harrison approached the plate with a chance to be a hero…and that’s exactly what he was tonight, smacking a base hit to right field and advancing to second base on a horrible throwing decision by Carlos Beltran. 

McCutchen, who had struck out his previous three times at the plate, drew a walk to load the bases for Neil Walker.  Real deal is the nickname we give him here at Fans From The Stands, and that’s exactly what he was at this at-bat, drilling a two-run single up the middle to give the Buccos a 3-1 lead.  This ended the night for Dickey, who pitched a strong game, tallying ten strikeouts in the game, but didn’t have enough to finish the eighth frame, and the Pirates made him pay for it.

The Pirates added to the lead in the ninth inning on a bases-loaded, two-out, two-run single by Brandon Wood, stretching the advantage to 5-1. 

Joel Hanrahan didn’t earn a save tonight, but came in and did exactly what he’s done all year to this point.  The Buccos’ closer took care of the Mets 1-2-3 in the final frame, clinching the 5-1 victory, and evening the series at a game a piece.

This was a huge win for the Pirates.  They overcame an outstanding start by a knuckleball pitcher that they struggled against early.  James McDonald put together another strong effort, giving up only one run on six hits through his six innings of work.  They also got contributions from a number of players, including Josh Harrison, who earned his first hit and RBI, Dusty Brown, who tallied a hit and performed very well behind the plate, and Ronny Cedeno, who continues to creep his average up to a respectable mark.

The Buccos are now just three games under the .500 mark, and enter tomorrow’s game against the Mets just one victory shy of their road-win total from a year ago.  Kevin Correia will get the start, and the first pitch is scheduled for 7:10pm.

Record Vs. Mets: 1-1

Record Vs. N.L. East: 3-8

Record On The Road: 16-14

Overall Record: 25-28

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Meet Your Bucs: Josh Harrison and Dusty Brown

by Zane Heiple

On Monday it was announce that the Pittsburgh Pirates placed Ryan Doumit (fractured ankle) and Steve Pearce (partially torn calf muscle) on the 15-day DL.  In their place, the Pirates called up infielder Josh Harrison and catcher Dusty Brown.

Photo by web.minorleaguebaseball.com

Josh Harrison is a former 2008 sixth round pick of the Chicago Cubs.  Pittsburgh acquired Harrison, along with Kevin Hart, and Jose Ascanio for John Grabow and Tom Gorzelanny on July 30, 2009.  So far this year he has played at AAA Indianapolis.  His stats at the plate read:  .321 batting average, 2 home runs, and 11 RBI in 37 games.  Defensively he has played 8 games at second, 26 games at third, and 1 game at shortstop.  His combined fielding percentage at all three positions is .890.  While in Pittsburgh he will most likely see time at third and shortstop.  He would make his big league debut on May 31, 2011.

Photo by pictures.zimbio.com

Dusty Brown was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 35^th round of the 2000 draft.  He made his Major League debut on June 23, 2009 for the Sox.  Brown became a Minor League free agent after the 2010 season and was signed by the Pirates to a Minor League contract.  So far this year he has played in 30 games with Indianapolis where he has hit .263 with 6 home runs and 19 RBI.  In 26 games behind the plate he has thrown out 42% of base runners, something that is needed at the big league level for the Pirates.  While Chris Snyder will catch the majority of games, Brown has big shoes to fill as Doumit has had one of his better seasons before going down with the injury.

Be sure to check back throughout the season for more updates to the Pirates roster at fansfromthestands.com.

Bucco Blast From The Past: Bill Mazeroski

by Zane Heiple

Photo by bigmouthsports.com

Hello Pirates fans, its Tuesday and here at Fans From The Stands that means it’s time for another edition of Bucco Blast From The Past.  Today we look back on the Hall of Fame career of Bill Mazeroski.

Maz is one of the best known players in the 125 year history of the Pittsburgh Pirates.  Signed by the Buccos as a 17 year old in 1954 as a shortstop, he was moved to second base and made his Major League debut on July 7, 1956.

Throughout his career he was known for his defense, with his best offensive season coming in 1958 when he hit .275 with 19 home runs and 68 RBI.  However, his bat is what put himself and the 1960 Pirates in the history books.  It was game 7 of the World Series when Mazeroski stepped to the plate in the bottom of the ninth at Forbes Field and the score was tied 9-9.  New York Yankees pitcher Ralph Terry was on the mound when he delivered the pitch that Bill would hit over the left field wall to hit the only game seven walk off home run in the history of the World Series.  He would win another title with the Pirates in 1971, but had a limited role on the team at that time.  His final game in the Majors came with the Pirates in October of 1972.

Maz collected many awards during his career.  He was a ten time All-Star, eight time gold glove winner, Babe Ruth Award winner in 1960 for his World Series play, had his number 9 retired by Pittsburgh in 1987, and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001.  A statue of Mazeroski was unveiled in September of 2010 outside the right field entrance at PNC Park.

Currently Maz serves as an infield instructor for the Pirates during spring training and lives in Panama City Florida.  Fans may even see Bill at the ball park when the Pirates celebrate either the 1960 or 1971 World Series winning teams.

Thank you for checking out this week’s edition of Bucco Blast From The Past.  Be sure to check back every Tuesday for a new edition.

Mets Cruise Past Pirates In Series Opener

by Zane Heiple

Photo by AP

The Pittsburgh Pirates headed to the Big Apple to take on the New York Mets in a four game series.  The Buccos were looking to continue their road success not only on the season, but on this road trip after taking two of three from the Chicago Cubs.  To start this series Pittsburgh would send Charlie Morton to the mound in hopes that he would continue his great pitching of 2011.  The Mets countered with right hander Dillion Gee.

Morton did not have the best game of his year.  He would go six innings, but gave up three runs, one earned, on eleven hits while striking out four and not walking a batter.  After the Pirates took a two run lead in the top of the second on a Chris Snyder two run home run, the Mets were able to tie in the bottom part.  With runners on second and third, a passed ball by Snyder allowed the runner from third to score.  A soft single that would go between the pitcher’s mound and third base by Ruben Tejada allowed Angel Pagan to tie it up.

The Metropolitans struck again with one run in the fifth.  Justin Turner would be hit by a pitch and then come around to score after three straight singles by the Mets.  Pittsburgh was able to tie the game at three in the seventh when Lyle Overbay scored on a Ronny Cedeno ground out to third.

Daniel McCutchen came out of the bullpen for the Buccos and New York jumped on him as well.  D-Cutch would walk the first batter, give up a single to the next batter, give up a sac fly, and then give up a two run double to Josh Thole.  This would mark the end of McCutchen’s day, as Daniel Moskos would collect the final two outs of the seventh. 

New York’s offense was not done however.  With reliever Jose Ascanio on the hill, Turner would crush a RBI double of f the left centerfield wall.  After a single by Carlos Beltran put runners on first and third, Daniel Murphy would ground into a force out at second that scored Turner from third.

Francisco Rodriguez came in and closed the door on the Buccos to give the Mets a 7-3 win tonight.  This game had a bad vibe all night.  The New York bats were finding holes in the Pittsburgh defense, the Pirates offense was back to its usual stagnate self, and the pitching was unable to shut down the Mets offense in key situations.  Hopefully this was just a one game thing and the Buccos were just a little worn out from the flight out of Chicago.  These two teams will battle in game two tomorrow night at 7:10.

On a side note, both Ryan Doumit and Steve Pearce were placed on the 15-day disabled list because of injuries suffered during the Cubs series.  Doumit has been solid in his role this year and Pearce was getting most of the playing time at third with Pedro Alvarez out.  Dusty Brown and Josh Harrison were called up from AAA Indianapolis to take their places on the 25 man roster.  It was also noted that Ross Ohlendorf was moved from the 15 to 60-day DL.  Check fansfromthestands.com tomorrow for a Meet Your Bucs article on Brown and Harrison.

Record vs. Mets:  0-1
Record vs. N.L. East:  2-8
Record on the Road:  15-14
Overall Record:  24-28

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Pirates Road Success Continues With 4-2 Victory Over Cubs

by Zane Heiple

Photo by AP

The Pittsburgh Pirates headed back to the city where the season began, to face their divisional foe the Chicago Cubs in a three game series.  As was in April, Kevin Correia took the ball to begin today’s game.  Pittsburgh’s offense was hoping some travel would help jumpstart their bats after scoring only two runs in their previous three games.  Cubs’ starter Doug Davis was looking to keep them in check and deliver his first win of the year. 

The Buccos scored in the second inning.  Ronny Cedeno reached to load the bases on a fielding error by Davis.  Correia then would hit what should have been a double play to Aramis Ramirez, but the third baseman bobbled it allowing Chris Snyder to score from third.  With one out Steve Pearce would hit a sacrifice fly to left field to give the Pirates a 2-0 lead.

Pittsburgh was able to add two more runs in the fourth inning.  The Pirates had the bases loaded when Andrew McCutchen was able to draw a walk and give the Buccos a three run lead.  4-0 would be the score after Neil Walker hit a grounder to Ramirez.  He tried to tag the base for the final out but Pearce beat him to it to avoid the final out.

Correia continued high level of pitching on the road this year.  He would leave the game after 7.1 innings pitched and runners on 1^st and 2^nd.  Kevin gave up zero runs on four hits with two walks and two strikeouts.  Jose Veras came out of the bullpen and was able to end the inning but not without some drama.  He would get the first batter he faced to fly out, but then walked the next batter to load the bases.  Fortunately, he was once again able to induce a fly out to get out of the jam and end the inning.

The ninth inning was not as kind to Joe Beimel.  Beimel would only face two batters and the first one he walked, the second was Alfonso Soriano.  Soriano hammered a pitch to left field for his 12^th home run on the year to inch the Cubbies closer.  This turn of events brought Joel Hanrahan out of the pen and he did not disappoint.  Joel would earn his 14^th save of the year, by striking out the side to put the cap on a 4-2 Pirates victory.

Once again the Pirates played well on the road.  Correia gave them another well pitched outing by a starter and this time the offense gave enough run support for the W to be earned.  Beimel was the only one to disappoint, but Hanrahan stepped up like he has all year.  These two teams will square off again tomorrow afternoon at 1:05pm.  Paul Maholm will look to continue his run of effective pitching, while the offense will look to give him the proper support that he deserves.

Record vs. Cubs:  3-1
Record vs. N.L. Central:  12-9
Record on the Road:  14-12
Overall Record:  23-26

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Braves Sweep Pirates In Extra Innings

by Zane Heiple

Photo by AP

The Pittsburgh Pirates wrapped up a short two game series with the Atlanta Braves this afternoon.  James McDonald was given the start for the Buccos, while the Braves countered with Mike Minor. 

Atlanta jumped on the board in the first inning, when Chipper Jones singled to bring home Jordan Schafer.  The advantage could have been more if it wasn’t for an Eric Hinske double play to end the inning.  McDonald would only allow one other run during the six innings he pitched today.  The Braves took a 2-1 lead, when Hinske homered in the sixth.  James finished the day allowing six hits, striking out six and walking only one batter. 

Unlike the past two games Pittsburgh was able to provide some offense today.  In the third inning, Steve Pearce would bring home Jose Tabata after he singled and stole second base.  They would then tie the game in the seventh when Pearce hit his first home run of the year.  Steve then had a chance to be the game hero in the bottom of the ninth.  With the game tied, there was one out and the bases loaded, Pearce unfortunately would hit a grounder to Jones at third to end the inning on a 5-2-3 double play.

Extra innings would see the Pittsburgh offense go back into a shell as they would go 1-2-3 in both the tenth and eleventh innings.  The Braves however, struck in the top of the eleventh, when Brooks Conrad hit his first home run of the year, a two run shot, to lead Atlanta to a 4-2 victory.

Jeff Karstens was tagged with the loss and was available today, since his next start was pushed back to Sunday because of the day off tomorrow.  The Pirates once again were unable to take advantage of playing at home for the past five games.  Things looked good in the beginning when they took the first two from the Tigers, but three straight losses have us Pirates fans hoping they are able to use that road magic to improve their overall record.

With a travel day tomorrow, the Pirates will resume playing on Friday when they being a three game series with the Chicago Cubs.  First pitch will be at 2:20pm.

Record vs. Braves:  0-2
Record vs. N.L. East 2-7
Record at PNC Park:  9-14
Overall Record:  22-26

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Pirates Blanked For Second Straight Game

by Zane Heiple

The Pittsburgh Pirates offense has been inconsistent and frustrating all season long.  After starting this home stand by scoring 16 runs in the first two games, they have score zero in the past two, including tonight’s 2-0 loss to the Atlanta Braves.

Jair Jurrjens stifled the Pirates bat’s all night long.  He would give up only six hits in 7.2 innings pitched, while striking out four and walking only one batter.  None of the Pittsburgh base runners would advance past second base. 

A major theme to this season has also been wasting quality starts, and while usually Paul Maholm is the one on the mound when this happens, tonight it was Charlie Morton.  Morton would give up both runs tonight.  The first occurred in the second inning on a sacrifice fly to right field by Brooks Conrad that scored Alex Gonzalez.  The last would happen in the third, when Martin Prado doubled down the leftfield line allowing Jordan Schafer to score all the way from first base.  Charlie would go seven innings tonight giving up seven hits, striking out four and walking three.

Jose Tabata and Chris Snyder were the only Buccos to record multiple hits tonight.  Joe Beimel would pitch a scoreless eighth inning, while Evan Meek made his first appearance since coming off of the DL on Sunday.   He looked impressive as he struck out all three Braves that he faced.   To make room for Meek, former first round pick Daniel Moskos was sent back to AAA Indianapolis.

The Pirates will look to even up this two game series with the Braves tomorrow afternoon at 12:35pm.  James McDonald will take to the hill for Pittsburgh.

Record vs. Braves:  0-1
Record vs. N.L. East 2-6
Record at PNC Park:  9-13
Overall Record 22-25

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Bucco Blast From The Past: Tony Womack

by Zane Heiple

Photo By Sports Illustrated

Welcome Pirates fans to this week’s edition of Bucco Blast From The Past.  Today we look back on the career of Tony Womack.

Tony was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1991 during the seventh round of the draft.  He made his Major League debut with Pittsburgh on September 10, 1993.  From 93-96, Womack appeared in only 37 games with the Buccos.  He finally became a starter with the Pittsburgh in 1997 and would have a career year.  His stats for the year included a .278 batting average, six home runs, 50 RBI, and 60 stolen bases.  1997 would also be the first of three consecutive seasons that he was the National League Stolen Base Champion and was his only year as an All-Star.

After the 1998 season Tony was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks for two minor league players.  He would spend five seasons with the Diamondbacks and was a key member of their 2001 World Series Championship team.

From 2003 to 2006, Womack would bounce around with six baseball teams including the D-Backs, Colorado Rockies, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, and Cincinnati Reds.  His final Major League appearance came with the Cubs in June of 2006.

While never a superstar, Tony Womack will be remembered by baseball fans as a reliable defender and a speed demon on the base paths.

Be sure to check back next week for another edition of Bucco Blast From The Past.

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Porcello Cruises, Tigers Down Pirates In Series Finale

by Zane Heiple

AP

Once again Paul Maholm pitched well enough to win, but his offense was unable to give him any run support in a 2-0 loss to the Detroit Tigers.  Maholm left the game after 5.1 innings allowing two runs on six hits with five strikeouts and two walks.  His counterpart, Rick Porcello, would pick up his fourth win of the year after pitching eight innings allowing one hit with three strikeouts and two walks.

Detroit would first score in the second inning on a Casper Wells single to right field that scored Victor Martinez.  They would bring another run around in the fourth when Jhonny Peralta would hit his seventh home run of the year.

The story of the year has been the Pirates lack of run support when Maholm is on the hill.  They would only have two hits on the day and left four men in scoring position including two in the bottom of the ninth with two outs.  Ronny Cedeno and Xavier Paul were the two Buccos that accounted for the hits.  Todays loss dropped Maholm’s record to 1-7.

On a side note, third baseman Pedro Alvarez was placed on the 15 day disabled list yesterday, and Pedro Ciraco was called up from AAA Indianaplis to take his place on the 25 man roster.  Pittsburgh will have tomorrow off, before finishing up this home stand with a short two game series with the Atlanta Braves.

Record vs. Tigers:  2-1
Record vs. A.L. Central:  2-1
Record at PNC Park:  9-12
Overall Record 22-24

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Pirates Score Six Unanswered Runs, Defeat Tigers 6-2

by Zane Heiple

Photo by AP

The Pittsburgh Pirates were back in action tonight for game two of their interleague series with the Detroit Tigers.  Kevin Correia was looking to pick up another win tonight after coming off of two straight losses.  Max Scherzer, of the Tigers, came into tonight’s game without a blemish on his record.  The Pirates offense hoped to repeat their ten run performance of one night ago.

After three straight scoreless innings, the Tigers jumped on the scoreboard first with two runs in the fourth inning.  Miguel Cabrera doubled home Andy Dirks for the first run of the game.  The next batter, Brennan Boesch would then trade places with Cabrera to give Detroit a 2-0 lead to end the inning.

The Buccos offense came to work in the sixth.  After two straight singles by Andrew McCutchen and Jose Tabata, Garrett Jones would hit a ground rule double down the right field line, scoring Cutch from second.  The bobble head man himself, Neil Walker, would hit a sacrifice fly to center to tie the game at two.  This would be followed by a Lyle Overbay sac fly that brought home Jones to give the Pirates a 3-2 lead. 

Pittsburgh decided to add three more runs in the sixth, which led them to an eventual 6-2 victory tonight.  The inning started with a Jose Veras walk and that lead to a McCutchen single.  Tabata then loaded the bases with a single of his own.  Matt Diaz would bring around Veras and Cutch with a line drive single to center field.  The final run of the night came after an Overbay strikeout.  The strikeout led to Diaz being caught in a rundown between first and second, however, Diaz was able to stay in the rundown long enough for Tabata to score from third.

Correia bounced back great tonight going 6.2 innings, allowing two runs on six hits, with four strikeouts and zero walks.  The bullpen also stepped up for the second night in a row.  Veras, Joe Beimel, and Joel Hanrahan would go onto pitch 2.1 scoreless innings tonight.  Beimel did have some trouble tonight as he was unable to record an out, but Hanrahan did pick up save thirteen on the year.

These two teams will conclude this three game series with a 1:35 start on Sunday afternoon.  Paul Maholm will hope to receive some run support tomorrow, as he will be on the mound for the Pirates.  The Tigers will counter with Rick Porcello.  I would also like to congratulate my best friend and co-editor of Fans From The Stands, Chad Carlson, on his marriage to his beautiful bride Sarah Alvarez tonight.

Record vs. Tigers:  2-0
Record vs. A.L. Central 2-0
Record at PNC Park:  9-11
Overall Record 22-23

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Pirates Tame Tigers for 10-1 Victory

by Zane Heiple



Photo by the Associated Press



The Pittsburgh Pirates are not exactly a quality baseball team when it comes to Interleague play.  Coming into this three game series with the Detroit Tigers, the Buccos were the only team in baseball to have a winning percentage below .400 during the 15 year period of NL vs. AL contests.  This and a 7-11 record at PNC Park made some of us feel a little uneasy going into Friday night’s game.

Both Jeff Karstens and Brad Penny kept the opposing offenses in check thru three innings, Karstens even had a perfect game going thru five.  It would not be until the bottom of the fourth before the Pirates would break the scoreless tie.  With two outs and runners on first and second, Ryan Doumit would bring home Jose Tabata on a single to right field.  Pittsburgh held this 1-0 lead until the sixth when Karstens gave up his only run of the night on a Ramon Santiago solo home run to right field.  Jeff would be pulled from the game after this inning.  He once again provided a solid start for the Pirates allowing one run on three hits, while striking out four and not issuing a walk.

The Bucco bats woke up in the bottom of the sixth, to ensure that Karstens picked up his third win of the season.  Lyle Overbay led off the inning with his fourth home run of the year to make it 2-1.  After a Brandon Wood walk and a Ronny Cedeno single, pinch hitter Matt Diaz would ground into what should have been an inning ending double play.  Fortunately a bad throw from Tigers second baseman Scott Sizemore onto first allowed Wood to score and Diaz to remain on first.  Two more walks would load the bases for Garret Jones and GFJ took advantage of the opportunity by doubling in two more runs for Pittsburgh.  Neil Walker then traded places with Jones, scoring two more runs to give the Pirates a 7-1 lead to end the inning.

The bullpen for the Buccos shut the door on Detroit for three innings tonight.  Daniel McCutchen, Chris Resop, and Jose Ascanio all pitched an inning of scoreless baseball to ensure that the Tigers had no shot at making this a ballgame.

The Pittsburgh kid decided to give the hometown crowd a little bit more to cheer about in the eighth inning.  With two outs and two on, Walker hit a towering three run home run to give Pittsburgh a final lead of 10-1.

This was an impressive way for the Pirates to start off this five game home stand.  Pitching was solid all the way thru tonight allowing only one run on seven hits.  The offense was spectacular and is looking to becoming out of that coma they were in during the last part of the previous home stand and the Milwaukee and Washington road series.  Eight of the Pirates ten runs came with two outs tonight.

The Battlin Buccos will look to take game two of this series tomorrow night with Kevin Correia on the mound facing off against Max Scherzer.

Record vs. Tigers:  1-0
Record vs. A.L. Central:  1-0
Record at PNC Park:  8-11
Overall Record 21-23

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Pirates Complete Two Game Sweep Of Reds With 5-3 Victory

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: Andy Lyons/Getty Images

For the second game in as many days, the Pittsburgh Pirates got an outstanding performance from their starting pitcher and a series of timely hits as they completed a two game sweep of the Cincinnati Reds with a 5-3 victory this afternoon at Great American Ballpark.

James McDonald had the difficult task of following up the shutdown performance from Charlie Morton last night, and he was certainly up to the challenge.  McDonald gave up only one run on seven hits through 6.2 innings, and he held the high-powered Reds’ offense in check throughout the afternoon.  His only blemish on the day came in the second inning, giving up a solo homerun to Jay Bruce.  That would be the only run charged to him on the day.

The Pirates’ offense was limited until the fifth inning.  With two no outs and no runners on base, Andrew McCutchen hammered a double, and would score as the next batter, Xavier Paul, slapped an RBI single to shallow right center.  After Garrett Jones drew a walk, Neil Walker crushed a double to deep center, scoring Paul and Jones.  When all was said and done in the fifth, the Pirates had a 3-1 lead.

Ryan Doumit added to the lead in the sixth inning with a solo homerun to left field, and Cutch added another run to the board with an RBI double in the eighth, scoring Pedro Alvarez.

The Reds made things slightly more interesting over the course of the last two innings of the game.  Joey Votto singled to shallow center in the eighth, scoring Chris Heisey.  Bruce hit his second homerun of the game in the ninth inning, bringing the Reds within two runs.

That is as close as they would get, though, as Joel Hanrahan would record the final out of the game, earning his 12^th save of the season.

So after losing six straight games, the Pirates have rebounded and won two straight games.  There are a couple of reasons why this series against the Reds was so significant.  First and foremost, it stops the losing streak.  Over the years, we, Pirates' fans, are well aware of the one LONG losing streak that buries the team at some point throughout the season. 

Secondly, it was important to get back on the winning track on the road.  The Buccos are now 13-12 on the road, which is only four wins away from equaling last year’s total.  And it never hurts to take two from a divisional opponent, especially the division leader who has an offense that is perhaps tops in the league.

Charlie Morton and James McDonald were the story of this series against the Reds.  In the two games this week, the Buccos’ pitching staff gave up a total of three runs to a top-notch offensive powerhouse. 

The Pirates will hope to continue their winning ways this weekend as they welcome the Detroit Tigers to PNC Park for a three-game interleague series. 

Record Vs. Reds: 5-1

Record Vs. N.L. Central: 11-9

Record On The Road: 13-12

Overall Record: 20-23

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Bats Explode, Morton Rolls In 5-0 Win Over Reds

by Zane Heiple

Photo by Getty Images

Currently in the midst of a six game losing streak, the Pirates were looking to get back on the winning track with a short two game series against the N.L. Central Division leading Reds in Cincinnati.  Charlie Morton, who has been the Buccos strongest pitcher this season, would look to continue giving batters a fit at the plate, while the offense would try to end a futile steak of not producing runs.  The Reds countered with Bronson Arroyo in hopes that he could take down his former club.

During the losing streak, Pittsburgh’s starting rotation has put up good numbers, but with no run support and gaffes by the bullpen, they have not been able to earn wins.  Morton made sure that the bullpen and at least one run would be all the Buccos needed tonight.  A complete game shutout by Charlie and a three run home run by Pedro Alvarez were more than enough as Pittsburgh defeated Cincinnati 5-0.

Morton’s complete game was his second of the season.  His final line was nine innings pitched, five hits, two walks and five strikeouts.  Tonight’s win gave him a 5-1 record with a 2.62 ERA.  Charlie has to be one of the early stories for the 2011 season after the debacle that was 2010.  If he continues to pitch this well during the first half of the season I would not be surprised if he is the Pirates representative in Arizona for the All-Star game.

Two big hits are all it took for the offense to come alive tonight.  The first big blast occurred in the fourth inning.  With one out Neil Walker would draw the walk and Lyle Overbay would single.  This would lead to a Pedro Alvarez three run shot to right field to make the score 3-0.  Big hits are what we need out of Pedro, who went 1-4 tonight.  Hopefully this is the start of things coming around for Pedro at the plate.

The second long ball happened in the seventh when Andrew McCutchen hit a two run blast with Ronny Cedeno on third with one out.  Even though Cutch went 1-5 tonight his home run helped close the door on any chance of a Reds comeback.

While Pittsburgh is not a team that’s going to be hitting a ton of home runs over the course of the season it was nice to see them give a pitcher some support tonight.  If this team can score around four runs a game they will have the opportunity to win ball games each night.  Pittsburgh will look to take this short series tomorrow at 12:35 with James McDonald taking the mound.

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Bucco Blast from the Past: Willie Stargell

by Zane Heiple



Photo courtesy of SI.com



Welcome Bucco fans to another edition of Bucco Blast from the Past.  This week we look back at one of the most well known and beloved member of the Pirates family, Willie “Pops” Stargell.

Stargell played with Pittsburgh over the course of 21 years from 1962-82.  He would go on to hit .282 with 475 home runs and 1,540 RBI’s in 2,360 games.  These great numbers are why Pops is the Pirates all time leader in home runs, RBI, and extra base hits.  He would make seven all-star game appearances during his career.

Stargell won two World Series with Pittsburgh in 1971 and 1979.  ’79 would be the year he is best known for as he was the National League co-MVP along with being named MVP of the NLCS and World Series.  He was the leader of the We-Are-Family squad that beat the Orioles in seven games that year.  Players on that ’79 would have Stargell’s Stars placed on their hats after making big plays or having a great game. 

Pops was also known for his monster home runs.  He hit seven balls out of Forbes Field and many in the upper deck of Three Rivers Stadium.  Willie hit the first home run out of Shea Stadium on April 17, 1964 and also hit two of four home runs out of Dodger Stadium.  The longest home run ever hit in Veterans Stadium was by Stargell in 1971.  His 1978 homer in Olympic Stadium is marked in the upper deck by a yellow seat while the rest are red. 

After his retirement he coached for the Atlanta Braves for many years.  The Pittsburgh Pirates retired his number 8 in 1982. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame during his first year on the ballot in 1988.  Pops threw out the final pitch at Three Rivers Stadium at the end of the 2000 baseball season.  Unfortunately he was unable to see a game at PNC Park as Stargell would pass away on the same day the park opened on April 9, 2001.  This day also marked the unveiling of his statue outside of the left field entrance to PNC Park.

Be sure to check back next week for another edition of Bucco Blast from the Past.

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Offense Continues To Struggle, Pirates Lose Sixth Straight

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: AP

As the Pirates took the field tonight against the Washington Nationals, it felt strange to be thinking that this was a must-win game for the Bucs.  After all, this is only the club’s 41^st game and we’re still in May.  But after the start the Pirates had, particularly on the road, and the way the past week has gone, The Buccos needed a win tonight to stop the bleeding of a five-game losing streak handed out by the Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers. Paul Maholm took the ball for the Pirates, looking for some more run support from his offense as he was in search of his second victory of the season.

Unfortunately, the common theme of the offense’s inability to consistently put runs on the board continued tonight.  The Nationals got a couple big hits in the latter innings, and the Pirates left too many men on base as they dropped the first game of this short two game set, 4-2.

Things did start off well for Pittsburgh tonight though.  The Pirates got the scoring started in the first inning.  Andrew McCutchen scored the game’s first run on Steve Pearce’s infield single.  It was nice to see the Buccos return to the days earlier this season when they maintained quite a streak of games in which they scored in the first inning.  Pearce’s RBI gave the Pirates an early 1-0 advantage.

The Nationals evened things in the bottom half of the opening frame on an RBI single of their own from Wilson Ramos, scoring Ian Desmond.

After the first inning, both pitchers settled in and put together a string of scoreless innings.  The Pirates certainly had their chances to score though in each of the next several innings. 

Jerry Hairston Jr. broke the tie in the fifth inning with a solo shot on a 3-1 count off Maholm.  At that point, the Nationals had the narrow 2-1 advantage.

Andrew McCutchen tied the game up for the Buccos in the top of the seventh with an RBI triple, scoring Ronny Cedeno.  The three-bagger was the second in as many days for Cutch, and Cedeno reached base safely three times on the night. 

The Nationals took the lead right back in the bottom of the seventh.  After recording the first out in the inning, Maholm was pulled by Clint Hurdle, who gave the ball to Jose Ascanio.  The right-handed reliever’s first pitch to Danny Espinosa was hammered deep over the right field wall.  Espinosa’s two-run shot also scored Laynce Nix, and the Nationals took the 4-2 lead.

The Pirates created some minor drama in the ninth, as Ryan Doumit and Garrett Jones each had pinch-hit singles to put runners on first and second base with one out.  Hard-hit flyouts by McCutchen and Jose Tabata ended the game, as the Bucs dropped their sixth straight game.

Tonight’s game was a case of one team taking advantage of opportunities, and the other team squandering too many chances.  The Nationals scored four runs on only six hits, while the Pirates tallied ten hits, only resulting in two runners crossing home plate.  The Buccos left seven men on base throughout the game.  When an offense is struggling, it is imperative to get those runners home when they get on base.  That didn’t happen tonight for Pittsburgh, and that’s why they lost this game.

It was another wasted start by Paul Maholm.  The Bucco southpaw pitched a strong game, retiring 13 straight Nationals at one point tonight.  Paul pitched 6.1 innings, giving up three runs on four hits, walking two and striking out seven.  His ERA sits at 3.67 as he has fallen to 1-6 for the season.

The offense can’t score runs.  Until they do, the Pirates will continue to lose.

After winning last Monday over the Dodgers and having a record of one game over .500, the Pirates have lost six straight games as they enter the final game of this short two-game series with the Nationals.  Charlie Morton will take the hill for Pittsburgh.

Record Vs. Nationals: 2-2

Record Vs. N.L. East: 2-5

Record On The Road: 11-12

Overall Record: 18-23

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Pitching Falls Apart, Buccos Swept By Brewers

By Zane Heiple

Photo Credit: AP

Well Buccos’ fans, let’s face it; the Pirates stink when they visit the city of Milwaukee.  Today’s series’ finale was no different.  I bet some of you, like me, had a bit of hope coming into today.  Kevin Correia was on the mound, Pittsburgh has been great on the road so far, and the Florida Marlins have been the only team to sweep the Buccos this year.  Once again, hope clouded our own reality.

After a quick 1-2-3 top of the first, the Brewers wasted little jumping on the Pirates’ throats.  Two singles allowed Ryan Braun to hit a three-run homer to right field.  This was followed up by a Casey McGee solo shot two batters later to make it 4-0.  The second inning saw Braun give us more of a reason to hate him (like we needed more) when he hit a two-out RBI triple.

The Brew Crew added another run in the third on a Jonathan Lucroy double that scored McGee from third.  These six runs spelled the end of Correia’s day after four innings.  He gave up six runs on eight hits, walking two and striking out one.  This was by far his worst start of the season as many of his pitches were left up over the plate and drilled into play.

However, just when you think Pittsburgh is out of a game, the offense decided to make an appearance in the fifth inning.  Neil Walker led off the inning with a solo homerun to centerfield.  The next four runs all came with two outs.  Ronny Cedeno doubled home Chris Snyder.  This was followed by a Steve Pearce pinch-hit double that cut Milwaukee’s lead to two.  Andrew McCutchen hit his first triple of the year and then was brought home by a Jose Tabata single to make it a 6-5 Brewers’ lead after 4 ½ innings.

After coming back from a six-run deficit to make it a one-run game, it made sense for Clint Hurdle to bring in a relief pitcher that has been performing well lately.  That’s why his decision to bring in the struggling Chris Resop made me scratch my head.  Chris was able to get two of the first three batters out, but the fourth batter he faced made him pay for a pitch left over the heart of the plate.  With a runner on, Lucroy struck again, this time with a  two-run homerun to give Milwaukee an 8-5 lead.

The Brew Crew added a run in the seventh to give themselves a four-run lead.  The Buccos gave a bit of a fight in the ninth as Pedro Alvarez scored on a Cedeno single.  With the bases loaded, Jose Tabata came to the plate with one out and the opportunity to keep hope alive.  I think we all knew what was going to happen, as Tabata grounded into the game-ending double play, allowing Milwaukee to secure the three-game sweep.

Another rough one for the Pirates, on a day when the offense scored six runs on ten hits, the overall pitching couldn’t keep the Brewers’ lineup in check.  Pittsburgh will visit the cheese state six more times this year and there is a good chance they will lose those games, unless a voodoo doctor comes in and lifts whatever curse has been placed on our beloved Buccos.

Pittsburgh will fly to our nation’s capital for a short two-game set with the Washington Nationals, starting tomorrow.  Hopefully they leave those bad Milwaukee vibes in Wisconsin and are to break out their current funk.  First pitch is scheduled for 7:05.

Record Vs. Brewers: 0-5

Record Vs. N.L. Central: 9-9

Record On The Road: 11-11

Overall Record: 18-22

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Bullpen Tagged For Six Runs, Pirates Lose Fourth Straight

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: AP

Here we go again?

Throughout the Buccos’ historic, infamous 18-season long losing streak, there has typically been that one stretch during the year when they drop a significant amount of games in a short period of time, digging themselves a hole they are incapable of recovering from.  In the past, it’s been the pitching at times, the hitting at times, or, in some cases, just plain bad luck.  However the pieces fall into place over the years, there has always been one common theme:  a Pirates’ losing streak.

Unfortunately, that is exactly where the Pirates are tonight:  in the middle of their longest losing streak of the 2011 season thus far.  The Buccos dropped their fourth straight game today after an 8-2 defeat to the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park.

Jeff Karstens made the start for the Buccos, and again, put together a nice game, keeping his team alive in the game.  The Pirates’ right-hander gave up two runs on five hits through five innings. Both runs came on solo homeruns by Prince Fielder and Brandon Boggs in the fourth inning.

The Brewers opened the game wide open in the seventh inning with five runs, building an unbreakable lead.  The inning was highlighted by RBI’s from Craig Counsell, Casey McGehee, as well as another from Fielder.  Clint Hurdle was also tossed from the game after arguing over a close play at first base, much to the delight of the Milwaukee crowd.

Lyle Overbay blasted a homerun for the Buccos in the top of the eighth, but that run was cancelled out in the bottom half of the inning when Ryan Braun hit a solo shot of his own, his 11^th of the season.

With the loss, the Buccos have dropped four straight and fall to 18-21 on the year.  The offense isn’t scoring runs, and as of late, the bullpen is getting roughed up.  Again, Karstens pitched a satisfactory game.  Other than giving up the two solo homeruns, he only gave up three other hits through his five innings of work.  The bullpen fell apart tonight.  Daniel McCutchen gave up two runs in one inning, Joe Beimel gave up a run without recording an out, and Jose Ascanio gave up the solo shot to Braun. 

From an offensive standpoint, it was the same old story again today.  Scoring two runs is not going to win too many games in Major League Baseball.  Andrew McCutchen was the only Pirate with more than one hit.  Other than Overbay’s homerun, the Buccos’ only other run came on Jose Tabata’s sacrifice to right in the fifth inning, scoring Ronny Cedeno. 

The Pirates will look to avoid the sweep tomorrow afternoon at Miller Park in the final game of the series against the Brewers.  It certainly won’t be easy tomorrow for Pittsburgh, as they will face Zack Greinke, who had some of the best pitching numbers in the game two years ago, as still has the best stuff in the game.  Kevin Correia will take the mound for the Pirates.

Record Vs. Brewers: 0-4

Record Vs. N.L. Central: 9-8

Record On The Road: 11-10

Overall Record: 18-21

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Offense Can't Deliver, Pirates' Struggles Against Brewers Continue With 5-2 Loss

By Zane Heiple

Photo Credit: AP

After a 3-3 home stand Pittsburgh was back on the road for seven games.  They first headed west to take on the Milwaukee Brewers for a three game set.  Nothing comes easy for the Pirates against the Brewers lately, so this would be a great test to see if the 2011 Buccos are able to put the past behind them.  James McDonald took the hill for the Pirates in hope of maintaining his recent outings’ success.  The Brew Crew countered with Yovani Gallardo.

McDonald looked to slide back into his ways of the early part of the season with his start tonight.  The Brewers jumped on him in the third inning with two runs.  Jonathon Lucroy hit a solo homer to left field to lead off the inning.  This was followed a few batters later when Ryan Braun grounded into a fielder’s choice that scored Gallardo, who had singled earlier that inning.

Ronny Cedeno countered in the fourth inning to tie the game for the Pirates.  Cedeno, who an inning earlier got into a verbal confrontation with Rickie Weeks, hit a two-run homer which was his first of the year.  Nice to see someone like Ronny hit the ball hard with the offense struggling so much lately. 

Pittsburgh was unable to hold onto any momentum they had in the top of the inning.  Milwaukee scored three runs in the fourth, thus ending McDonald’s night after only four innings.  His stat line read five runs, six hits, with seven strikeouts and three walks. 

James has by far been the most inconsistent pitcher of the season, but this is the second time in three games that a Pirates’ pitcher has been roughed up early.  While we all could have expected a drop off from the rotation’s hot start, if the offense can’t pick up the slack, then this combination could spell disaster for the Buccos.

The bats did struggle again tonight, in this 5-2 loss, obtaining only five hits and Lyle Overbay was the only Pirate with more than one hit.  These two teams will face off again tomorrow afternoon, with a 4:10 start time.  Jeff Karstens will look to stop this three game slide and continue the Pirates’ road success.

Record Vs. Brewers: 0-3

Record Vs. N.L. Central: 9-7

Record On The Road: 11-9

Overall Record: 18-20

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Meet Your Bucs: Jose Ascanio

By Zane Heiple

On Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Pirates brought right-handed relief pitcher Jose Ascanio off of the disabled list and placed Mike Crotta on the DL with right posterior elbow inflammation. 

For Ascanio, it has been a long road back to the Majors.  He last pitched with the Buccos in August of 2009 after he was traded here from the Chicago Cubs along with Kevin Hart and Josh Harrison for Tom Gorzelanny and John Grabow.  Jose spent the 2010 season rehabbing from arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder.

He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Braves in 2001.  Ascanio pitched in the Braves’ Minor League system until July 13, 2007 when he made his Major League debut.  Jose finished the ’07 season with a 1-1 record and a 5.06 ERA.  During that offseason, he was traded to the Cubs for Will Ohman and Omar Infante.  He wouldn’t make it back to the big leagues until May of the 2009 season, shortly before his trade to Pittsburgh.  For his career in the Majors, he has a 1-3 record with 36 strikeouts and a 4.99 ERA.

So far in 2011, Jose has been on rehab assignment in the Minors, three appearances with Class A Bradenton and seven in Triple-A Indianapolis.  His stats are less than desirable coming off this past assignment.  He posted a 9.00 ERA with eleven walks and five strikeouts.  The Pirates apparently feel that with some time and staying out of pressure situations early on, he can adjust to being in a Major League bullpen.  They are also encouraged by his 95-96 mph fastball.

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!