Brewers' Power Too Much For Bucs In Season-Finale

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: Darren Hauck/Getty Images

The Pirates entered tonight’s game at Miller Park trying to avoid another 90-loss season.  After playing highly competitive baseball through the first four months of the season, the last two have been very frustrating for the Bucs and their fans.

Pittsburgh lost to Milwaukee tonight in predictable fashion.  The Brewers’ power was too much for the Pirates, and they made the most of their offensive opportunities as they beat up on the Bucs in the final regular season game by a final score of 7-3.

It was a frustrating night for the Pirates, which has become familiar for fans in recent weeks, and against the Brewers in particular.  The Bucs managed just six hits tonight, while the pitching staff gave up three homeruns to Brewers’ hitters.

Andrew McCutchen was 0-3 tonight, dropping his batting average to .259 for the season.  Derrek Lee had a double in the fourth inning, increasing his average to .340 as a Pirate this year, while Neil Walker went 2-4 with two doubles.  And in what could be (and most likely will be) his final at-bat as a Pirate, Ryan Doumit flew out to left field in the eighth inning.

Pedro Alvarez struck out looking in the ninth to record the Pirates' final out of the season.

Obviously, it was a disappointing way to end the 2011 season with a thumping by a team that has done that to the Pirates year after year.  In a way, it is indicative of where the Bucs stand right now.  They are not at the same level as the N.L. Central-winning Brewers.  The Bucs competed with Milwaukee and St. Louis through July, but they couldn’t hold on as their schedule became especially brutal as the summer drew to a close.

The Pirates end 2011 with a 72-90 record, invoking mixed emotions from fans.  There are those who remember when the Bucs were 51-44 in mid-July, only to fall apart, going just 21-46 the rest of the season.  The positive spin sees the Pirates with a 15-game improvement from last year.  But 2011 will only be seen as a step in the right direction if 2012 brings a bigger improvement in the record and the standings.

Stay tuned to Fans From The Stands over the next several days, and the entire offseason, as we recap the season, discuss the highs and lows, and look ahead to next year. 

Record Vs. Brewers: 3-12

Record Vs. N.L. Central: 39-41

Record On The Road: 36-45

Overall Record: 72-90

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Fielder's Three Home Runs Power Brewers Past Pirates

by Zane Heiple

Photo by AP

If these are the final days of Prince Fielder being a member of the Milwaukee Brewers, than he is going out with a bang.  Tonight, Fielder would go 3-3 with three home runs and five RBI, as Milwaukee downed the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-4 in game two of this three game series.

Prince would hit his first home run of the game in the third inning to deep right field, to tie the game at one.  This was then followed by a Rickie Weeks homer to give the Brewers a 2-1 lead.  Pittsburgh regained the lead in the fifth inning.  Ross Ohlendorf singled home Ronny Cedeno to tie the game and then Josh Harrison would bring home Ohlendorf with a single.

Ohlendorf did not do anything tonight to prove his worthiness to be in the rotation for the 2012 season.  He would last only five innings giving up four runs on five hits with three strikeouts and walks.  In his final inning of work he would give up his second home run to Fielder, which gave the Brew Crew a 4-3 lead.

The Pirates were able to tie the game in the sixth when Neil Walker scored on a bases loaded walk.  This lead would not last long, as Fielder would strike again in the bottom of the seventh inning, this time off of Jared Hughes, for his third homer of the game and which gave Milwaukee a 6-4 lead.

These two teams will square off one final time this year in the final regular season game of 2011.  The Buccos will be looking to avoid a 90 loss season, while the Brewers will look to gain some momentum as they head into the playoffs.  First pitch for tomorrow night’s game is scheduled for 8:10.  So do yourself a favor and check out the Pirates one final time this year.

Record vs. Brewers:  3-11
Record vs. N.L. Central:  39-40
Record on the Road:  36-44
Overall Record 72-89

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Pirates Beat Brewers In Wild One At Miller Park

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: Scott Boehm/Getty Images

The Pirates entered tonight’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers having lost 36 of their last 39 games at Miller Park, including a most-recent 12-game losing streak.

While the Brewers had already clinched the N.L. Central division title, they still had much to play for this series as they’re battling for home-field advantage in the opening round of the playoffs.  As for the Pirates, they were looking to finish up a rollercoaster season on a positive note.

It was a wild one tonight in Milwaukee, as the two teams combined for 17 runs on 25 hits, using 10 pitchers in a game that lasted over four hours.

Typically, when the Brewers would score a lot of runs against the Pirates, it has been in blowout fashion.  Tonight, on the other hand, the Bucs out-hit the Brew-Crew, beating them in their home ballpark by a final score of 9-8.

On a night dominated by offense, Alex Presley led the charge for the Bucs, going 3-5 with 3 RBI’s, including a solo homerun to lead off the game.  Pedro Alvarez added two hits and had 3 RBI’s of his own, while Xavier Paul and Chase d’Arnaud also had multi-hit games.

The pitching certainly wasn’t a bright spot for either team tonight.  For Charlie Morton, he battled for every out in his five innings of work.  He ended up being charged for five runs on eight hits, but he had the lead when he left the ballgame. 

Jason Grilli got out of a bases-loaded and one-out jam in the eighth inning to set the table for Joel Hanrahan, who closed out the game for his 40^th save of the season.

It was a nice victory to end the losing streak at Miller Park.  But the pitching continues to be worrisome.  Morton struggled tonight with his control, which is of serious concern.  The offense showed up tonight, but a pitching staff can’t rely on 9 runs of support consistently from an offense.

Andrew McCutchen was scratched from tonight’s game after he was hit by a baseball during batting practice.  Xavier Paul took his place in the lineup, while Alex Presley played centerfield.

The Pirates will look to clinch a series victory tomorrow night at Miller Park.  Ross Ohlendorf will try to deliver an encouraging performance in his final start of the season. 

Record Vs. Brewers: 3-10

Record Vs. N.L. Central: 39-39

Record On The Road: 36-43

Overall Record: 72-88

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Pirates Drop Final Game Of 2011 At PNC Park

by Zane Heiple

Photo by Getty Images

One of the storylines for the Pittsburgh Pirates during the 2011 season was the inability to sweep a series.  The Pirates came into today with ten previous failed attempts to sweep a team after taking the first two in a three game series.  Their 5-4 loss to the Cincinnati Reds today marked the eleventh time that has happened.

The Reds got out to an early lead by scoring three runs in the first two innings off of Buccos starter James McDonald.  McDonald would improve over the course of his final three innings as he would last five innings today allowing only one earned run and six hits, while striking out four and walking two.

Pittsburgh’s offense would battle back tying the game at three in the bottom part of the second inning.  After a Derrek Lee single and Ryan Ludwick walk, Chase d’Arnaud would triple both of them home.  Michael McKenry would then hit a sacrifice fly to bring d’Arnaud home and tie the game.

The sixth inning saw the Reds regain the lead and score what would be the game winning run off of relief pitcher Daniel Moskos.  With runners on second and third Dontrelle Willis would double home both runners.  The Pirates then cut into the lead in the bottom part of the ninth when Neil Walker doubled in Andrew McCutchen.  Unfortunately neither Garrett Jones or Pedro Alvarez were able to bring in Walker.

While the Pirates road record improved dramatically from 2010 this year.  The home record was a disappointment as they won five less games at PNC Park this year.  Pittsburgh will head to Milwaukee for their final series of the year against the N.L. Central champions Brewers.  Charlie Morton will make his final start of the season, while Shaun Marcum will go for the Brew Crew.

Record vs. Reds:  10-5
Record vs. N.L. Central 38-39
Record at PNC Park:  36-45
Overall Record 71-88

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Final Pre And Post Game Videos For 2011

Photo From Wikipedia

Fans From The Stands headed down to PNC Park for the final time in 2011 on Saturday night to see the Pittsburgh Pirates take on the Cincinnati Reds in game two of this three game series.

Pregame Show:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2w4BjJV-72I

After the exciting win, Chad and Zane gave their final video thoughts on the season.

Postgame Show:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElVGXEFjeX0&feature=channel_video_title

Well folks, while overall it was another disappointing season for the Pirates, there were many exciting moments that I hope the true Bucco fan enjoyed.  Fans From The Stands hopes everyone has an enjoyable offseason and look forward to bringing you more video from Pirates games in 2012.

And...

As Always...

Let's Go Bucs!!!

Bucco Beat Episode 21!

It’s hard to believe that the 2011 regular season is almost over.

This has certainly been an up-and-down season for our Pirates, and as they wrap up their final home series of the year, FFTS was in attendance tonight, live from PNC Park.

Zane and Chad discuss the Pirates’ recent happenings both on and off the field, look ahead to the end of the season, how 2011 should be viewed as a whole by Pirates’ fans, and much more.

They also preview their season-ending podcast episode coming up later this week.

Check it out!

Bucco Beat Episode 21

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Harrison Leads Bucs Past Reds 4-3

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

Last night’s 4-3 victory over the Cincinnati Reds marked the first time the Pirates won 70 or more games in season since 2004.  That being said, the Bucs need to finish the 2011 season against the Reds and the Milwaukee Brewers with a record of 3-2 to avoid a 90-loss season.

Tonight, the bats were working, Brad Lincoln gave a strong-willed performance, and the Bucs knocked off the Reds again by a score of 4-3 at PNC Park.

Josh Harrison had four hits to lead the Bucs past the Reds, assuring them of a losing season a year after they won the N.L. Central.

Lincoln struggled early tonight, giving up a run in the first inning.  Even the Reds’ outs were loud in the first handful of frames, but the Buccos’ right hander kept chipping away, finding ways to get outs and keep his team in the game.  He finished his five innings of work having given up two runs on six hits, while walking four and striking out four batters.

The bullpen, aside from Jose Veras, pitched scoreless baseball.  Jason Grilli gave Joel Hanrahan the night off, pitching a scoreless ninth inning to earn his first save of the season.

Harrison was the hitting star of the day, going 4-5 and was a homerun shy of hitting for the cycle.  Neil Walker had three hits and Jason Jaramillo added two, as the Bucs kept the Reds’ pitchers on edge throughout the night.  Andrew McCutchen was walked three times tonight, but record his 89^th RBI of the season on his sacrifice fly in the third inning.

It was a great night at PNC Park, as the Pirates played a well-received game by the nearly packed house.  While it’s certainly been and up-and-down year for the Bucs, it’s nice to see them finish off their disappointing home schedule with a series victory.

They’ll go for the sweep tomorrow afternoon, as James McDonald will take the hill looking for his 10^th win of the season.  First pitch for the final game at PNC Park in 2011 is slated for 1:35pm.

Record Vs. Reds: 10-4

Record Vs. N.L. Central: 38-38

Record At Home: 36-44

Overall Record: 71-87

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Ludwick's Walkoff Single Gives Pirates Edge Over Reds

by Zane Heiple

Photo by AP

The final home series of the year got off to an exciting start on Friday night as the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Cincinnati Reds 4-3 on a Ryan Ludwick single to center field that scored Jason Jaramillo.  The win tonight gave the Buccos their 70^th win of the year, which is also the first time they have hit the 70 win plateau since 2004.

Pittsburgh got out to an early lead when Garrett Jones blasted a two run home run to center field in the second inning that scored Ryan Doumit.  They would then add a run in the bottom part of the third when Doumit hit an RBI single to right field. 

The Pirates once again used a lot of pieces out of the bullpen tonight, but that is what September baseball is about when you are out of contention.  Jeff Locke got the start tonight and lasted 4.2 innings allowing one run on six hits while walking two and striking out one.  The only run he gave up came in the fifth inning when Joey Votto hit a double that scored Edinson Volquez. 

Cincinnati then scored another run in the sixth inning off of reliever Chris Leroux.  Three more relievers were used to bridge the gap and hold onto the lead for closer Joel Hanrahan.  Hanrahan had a one run lead and was looking to collect his 40^th save of the year, but instead ended up getting his first win of the year.  The Reds tied the game in the ninth when, with the bases loaded, Todd Frazier was hit by a pitch.  The Bucco bats came through in the ninth however to seal the win.

Always exciting to see the Pirates win on a walk off hit and bring some excitement to PNC Park in September.  Andrew McCutchen and Doumit were the only Pirates to have multiple hits tonight, two.  These two teams will face off in the final night game at PNC Park for 2011 tomorrow night with Brad Lincoln getting the nod for the Pirates and Travis Wood heading to the bump for the Reds.  It will also be the final trip to the ball park for Fans From The Stands, so be sure to check back tomorrow night for the pre and post game videos.

Record vs. Reds:  9-4
Record vs. N.L. Central:  37-38
Record at PNC Park:  35-44
Overall Record:  70-87

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Ohlendorf Ineffective In Pirates' 8-5 Loss To Diamondbacks

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Wow, does anyone want to be in the starting pitching rotation next season?  The past few weeks have spelled disaster for Pirates’ starters, as all potential members of the 2012 rotation have been obliterated. 

Ross Ohlendorf, though, had a surprisingly solid start last Thursday against the Dodgers, giving up two runs through seven innings, while earning his first victory of the season.  The Bucs, and Ohledorf, were hoping he could continue that success this afternoon in the series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

That didn’t happen.

Ohlendorf was tattooed by the Diamondbacks’ batters today, right from the start, and he never even made it out of the third inning.  Arizona went on to win the game 8-5.

He gave up three runs in the first inning, and after getting through the second inning, he surrendered another run in third inning and loaded the bases without recording an out.  Clint Hurdle had seen enough and replaced him with Jared Hughes.

In all, Ohlendorf was charged for seven runs on seven hits through 2+ innings.  His ERA is now at 8.29.  Ouch.  Hughes was charged for one run on two hits through his inning of work.  The rest of the bullpen, though the game was out of reach, pitched scoreless baseball.

Derrek Lee was the lone positive of today’s game, going 3-4 with a homerun and two RBI’s.  With the Pirates’ current first baseman situation up in the air right now, Lee would be a welcomed returner to the club next year.  But only time will tell.

Ryan Ludwick hit a solo homerun in the second inning, and Jason Jaramillo smacked a pinch-hit RBI double in the eighth inning.  As a team, the Bucs tallied 11 hits, while leaving seven runners on base.

After falling behind 8-1, the Bucs slowly battled back, scoring a single run in the fourth, sixth, seventh, and eighth innings each.  They had a chance to creep within a single run in the eighth, but Ryan Doumit grounded out with runners on second and third to end the inning.

Today’s game marked the Pirates’ 87^th loss of the season.  More worrisome, though, is the fact that they’re struggling to get quality starts.  Jeff Karstens and Charlie Morton have continued to show glimpses of what they did earlier in the season, and are favorites to return to the rotation next year, along with Kevin Correia.  But there are two other open spots that seem far out of reach for Ohlendorf, Aaron Thompson, Brad Lincoln, or anyone else. 

The Pirates have only six games remaining on their schedule this season, three of which will be played against the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park this weekend.  Pittsburgh will need to go 4-2 the rest of the way to avoid another 90-loss season.

Record Vs. Diamondbacks: 3-3

Record Vs. N.L. West: 13-20

Record On The Road: 35-43

Overall Record: 69-87

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Morton, Pirates Snap Four Game Skid With Win Over Diamondbacks

by Zane Heiple

Photo by AP

The Pittsburgh Pirates were in need of a total team effort tonight to end the current four game slide that they were on.  Tonight’s game was reminiscent of the earlier part of the season where a strong pitching effort was backed by solid defense and a few offense bright spots that put some runs on the board.  Everything started with Charlie Morton who was lights out on the mound tonight going six innings allowing only three hits while walking three and striking out five would pick up his tenth win of the year.  He was also doing damage at the plate going 2-3 on the night.

The Pirates offense was able to get to Arizona Diamondbacks starter Dan Hudson tonight as he would only last five innings giving up three runs on seven hits while striking out four and walking three.  The Buccos would score in the first inning off of a Neil Walker double that scored Alex Presley.  Pedro Alvarez showed up tonight hitting a solo home run in the second inning to deep right field.  Run number three would cross the plate in the fifth off of a Ryan Doumit double which scored Andrew McCutchen.

Pittsburgh’s bullpen came into the fold during the seventh inning, and the beginning was very shaky.  Chris Leroux would give up two hits on eleven pitches and not record an out.  He would be replaced by Jason Grilli who would allow one of the inherited runners to score but shut the door to allow the Pirates to carry a two run lead into the eighth. 

The Buccos would get that run back and another one when Derrek Lee would hit a two run shot to left field.  This would allow even more breathing room for the pen in the eighth and ninth innings, which would be needed as Jose Veras allowed a run, while earning only one out.  He would leave the game with runners on first and third when replaced by Tony Watson.  Watson got out of the inning but not before the D-Backs collected their third run of the game when Alvarez made an errant throw to first base on a bunt by Willie Bloomquist.  Joel Hanrahan would enter in the ninth and earn his 39^th save of the year as the Pirates would go on to win 5-3.

Even in victory there were a couple of blunders.  The first was base running mistakes as Morton and Pedro Ciriaco who were picked off on the base paths.  The other was the bullpen struggling over the seventh and eighth innings.  These two teams will wrap up their regular season meetings tomorrow at 3:40.  The Pirates will send Ross Ohlendorf to the hill as he looks for another good outing heading into 2012.  The Diamondbacks will send Wade Miley and his 4.24 ERA to the bump.

Record vs. Diamondbacks:  3-2
Record vs. N.L. West:  13-19
Record on the Road:  35-42
Overall Record 69-86

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Pirates' Offensive Woes Continue In Fourth Straight Loss

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Well as the old motto suggests, defense wins championships.  Actually, a variation that applies to baseball, perhaps more so than anything else, is that pitching wins championships.  After all, pitching was the main reason the Pirates occupied first place into mid-July. 

Pitching has also been very kind to the Arizona Diamondbacks.  In fact, it had them atop the N.L. West division by 5 games entering tonight’s contest against the Pirates at Chase Field.  Their top starter, Ian Kennedy, was looking for his 20^th victory of the season…and he had the strikeout ball working tonight.

Kennedy struck out 12 Pirates through his eight innings of scoreless baseball.  He was nearly flawless tonight, giving up only one hit, which came to Pirates’ starter Jeff Karstens in the third inning.  Bucs’ hitters looked baffled all night, but shockingly, they still had a chance to win late in the game.

Karstens pitched a fabulous game tonight for Pittsburgh, giving up one run on five hits through his six innings of work in his final start of the 2011 season.  His ERA sits at 3.38. 

In three career starts against the Diamondbacks, Karstens has given up just one earned run in 22 innings of work.

Justin Upton proved to be the difference tonight, as he belted a broken-bat 3-0 pitch from Karstens just over Alex Presley’s head in left field to give Arizona a 1-0 lead, which would be the only run scored in the game.

The Bucs had a chance in the ninth to tie the game.  Presley smacked a one-out triple to right center field, but Neil Walker and Andrew McCutchen grounded out and struck out to end the game. 

This was obviously a very frustrating loss for the Bucs.  Karstens pitched a fantastic game tonight, which is very encouraging as the Bucs head into the postseason.  The offense’s strikeout woes continued tonight, which is unacceptable.  The Pirates managed just two hits all night.

It won’t get much easier for the Pirates tomorrow as Daniel Hudson takes the hill for Arizona against Charlie Morton. 

Record Vs. Diamondbacks: 2-2

Record Vs. N.L. West: 12-19

Record On The Road: 34-42

Overall Record: 68-86

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Pirates Crushed by Dodgers

By Zane Heiple

Photo by Getty Images

The Pittsburgh Pirates were dominated today by the Los Angeles Dodgers today in the finale of their four game series.  Since nothing went well for Pittsburgh, I thought instead of giving you the reader a written analysis of the game, I would do a “By The Numbers” piece to show just how Los Angeles outplayed the Pirates.  Since the Buccos lost by two touchdowns, here are fourteen reasons for the defeat and what came because of it.

1 – Number of runs scored by Pittsburgh in a 15-1 defeat by the Dodgers.

2 – The inning in which Brad Lincoln was pulled from the game, as he would only last 1.2 innings on the day, giving up six runs on eight hits.

3 – Total bases that Dee Gordon would collect on the first hit of the game for Los Angeles.

4 – Amount of hits Dodgers starter Chad Billingsley would allow in his five innings of work.

5 – Hits by LA first baseman James Loney, who would go 5 for 6 with three RBI and two runs on the day.

6 – Hits allowed by reliever Daniel McCutchen in 1.1 innings of work.

7 – Total hits by the Pirates offense in 34 at bats.

8 – Number of pitchers the Buccos used during the game in eight innings of work.

9 – Strikeouts combined by the four LA pitchers used in the game.

10 – Men left on base by the Pittsburgh starters

11 – Number of strikes thrown by Evan Meek out of the thirty pitches he threw in 0.2 innings of work.

12 – Amount of losses in the Pirates last 18 games.

13 – Batters faced by Lincoln when he left the game with two outs in the second inning.

14 – RBI on the season for Jamey Carroll after he knocked in the first run of the game on a ground out.

Well they say that numbers don’t lie and these numbers tell the story of today’s game.  The Buccos will now head to the desert for a three game set with the N.L. West leading Arizona Diamondbacks.  Tomorrow’s game will begin at 9:40pm and feature Jeff Karstens going up against Ian Kennedy.

Record vs. Dodgers:  2-6
Record vs. N.L. West:  12-18
Record on the Road:  34-41
Overall Record:  68-85

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Free Ticket Giveaway For Fan Jam Featuring Steve Miller Band!

We are nearing the end of the 2011 Pirates’ season.  The Bucs have only three home games remaining on the schedule at PNC Park, next weekend against the Cincinnati Reds. 

Fans From The Stands is giving away two free tickets to the upcoming game against the Reds on Saturday, September 24.  It will be Pirates’ Fan Jam featuring Steve Miller Band in concert following the game.

This is the final weekend of the regular season, and we have you covered for two free tickets!  All you have to do is send us an email at comments@fansfromthestands.com telling us which players you would choose for the following categories, along with an explanation for your choices.

Most Disappointing Player of 2011

Pirates’ MVP of 2011

Pirates’ Cy Young of 2011

We will choose a winner on Tuesday morning, so if your email, including your name and address, and we’ll ship out the tickets to the winner on Tuesday.

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Dodgers Use The Long Ball To Rout Pirates 6-1

 By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: AP

During the course of this uniquely up-and-down 2011 season for the Pirates, James McDonald has shown glimpses of pitching brilliance as a starting pitcher, so much so that it made some wonder why the Los Angeles Dodgers could part ways with him.

There have also been games like tonight…when he struggles to record each out, can’t locate his pitches, and when he does, he serves them over the plate and gives up homeruns.

J-Mac pitched made it through only three innings against his former team, being tagged for five runs on seven hits.  Two of those hits were homeruns, a three-run shot by James Loney in the first inning and a two-run blast by Juan Rivera. 

That was more than enough for Dodgers’ starter Ted Lilly, who dazzled and confused Pirates’ hitters through his seven innings of work.  Lilly gave up only four hits and one run, while striking out seven batters. 

The Dodgers won the game easily tonight over our Pirates, 6-1.

Josh Harrison’s RBI double in the second inning was the only productive offense the Bucs could muster all night.

On nights like this, there are always plenty of frustrating moments.  The top of the eighth, though, was the most aggravating of the night for Pirates’ fans.  The Bucs loaded the bases with one out and were in position to at least make the game interesting.  The Dodgers’ Kenley Jansen struck out Ryan Ludwick and Garrett Jones to end the inning and the threat.

The offense really struggled tonight for Pittsburgh.  The top three hitters in the lineup, Alex Presley, Chase d’Arnaud, and Andrew McCutchen, went a combined 3-14.  d’Arnaud’s average is just .195 in his 42-game MLB season, while due to a quite extensive slump, Cutch’s average has fallen to .264.

As always, we at Fans From The Stands try to find a bright note to every game for the Bucs, although some nights are more difficult than others.  Derrek Lee reached base three times tonight (with one hit, a walk, and a HBP), while the latest Pirates’ acquisition, Matt Pagnozzi had a pinch-hit single in the fifth inning.

After a very encouraging start to this series, the Pirates have been totally outplayed in every aspect of the game by the Dodgers.  The Bucs used six pitchers tonight, and while no one was exceptional, Jared Hughes continued his scoreless inning streak.  Daniel Moskos gave up one unearned run in the fifth inning.

The road trip will only get more difficult for Pittsburgh, as they will leave Los Angeles tomorrow and head to Arizona for a three-game set against the N.L. west-division leading Diamondbacks.  The Bucs will look to earn a series-split with the Dodgers tomorrow afternoon.  Brad Lincoln will make the start, looking for his second win of the season.  Lincoln comes in with a 1-2 record and a 3.73 ERA for the season.

Record Vs. Dodgers: 2-5

Record Vs. N.L. West: 12-17

Record On The Road: 34-40

Overall Record: 68-84

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Pirates Look Flat In Loss To Dodgers

by Zane Heiple

Photo by blog.prorumors.com

After an exciting win in the opening game of this four game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Pittsburgh Pirates were looking to string a few victories together on this road trip.  That will have to wait as the Pirates lost tonight 7-2.  Jeff Locke took to the mound for the Buccos and his time there was short as he only lasted three innings allowing three runs on five hits while walking two batters.  While this short outing placed a lot of stress on the bullpen, it is fortunate that the rosters have been expanded at this point in the season.  Five pitchers were used out of the bullpen and Daniel McCutchen was hit the hardest as he allowed three runs in his one inning of work.

Dodgers starter Hiroki Kuroda has not had the best season, as he entered tonight with an 11-16 record and a 3.19 ERA.  He did roll tonight in his six innings of work allowing one earned run on five hits, while striking out seven.  The only run he gave up was in the sixth inning when Alex Presley homered to right field, this also happened to be the only highlight for Pittsburgh on the night.

While they were in the game for most of the night, the four run sixth by LA really but the Pirates in a hole that they could not get out of.  As fans we are very familiar with games like this where the team is hanging around and then a few mistakes take them out of it.  Hopefully the Buccos can clean it up and get back to the form they had on Thursday against the Dodgers tomorrow night.  It will be another late night tomorrow as they two teams will square off at 10:10 for the third night in a row.  The Pirates will send former Dodger James McDonald to the hill, while Los Angeles will go with veteran Ted Lilly.

Record vs. Dodgers:  2-4
Record vs. N.L. West:  12-16
Record on the Road:  34-39
Overall Record 68-83

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Ohlendorf Throws Seven Innings, Hits HR In Bucs 6-2 Victory Over Dodgers

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: Harry How/Getty Images

The Pirates began a difficult west-coast road trip tonight in the first of a four game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.  In tonight’s matchup, Ross Ohlendorf took the mound against Dana Eveland, who was a September call-up for the Dodgers. 

In his first game on September 1 in a make-up contest at PNC Park, Eveland had the Pirates guessing all, earning a victory against his former team, just as he did in his second start against the San Francisco Giants.  In fact, in his two starts with the big club this year, he was 2-0 with a 0.60 ERA.  So why hasn’t he been the Dodgers all season?

Because he gives up homeruns to opposing pitchers.

Ohlendorf hammered a three-run homerun to right field in the second inning, scoring Ryan Doumit and Ryan Ludwick, giving the Bucs a 4-1 lead at the time.  The round-tripper was Ross’s first career homerun, leading the Pirates to a 6-2 victory over the Dodgers.

More importantly for Ohlendorf and the Pirates, though, he pitched very well tonight.  After a rough first inning where he gave up an RBI ground-rule double to Justin Sellers, Ross settled down and held the Dodgers in check for the remainder of his seven-inning evening.  He gave up two runs on four hits, striking out six and he didn’t walk a batter.

Ohlendorf won his first game of the season tonight, and tallied his first road victory since August 2009 when he defeated the Colorado Rockies.

This was a huge performance for Ohlendorf, and nice to see for Pirates’ fans.  With the status of the starting pitching rotation up in the air as we approach the end of the season, the Bucs are certainly eyeing up every start by starters like Brad Lincoln, Charlie Morton, Jeff Karstens, Jeff Locke, and yes, Ross Ohlendorf. 

Jason Grilli, Evan Meek, and Joel Hanrahan pitched the eighth and ninth innings to end the game.  After recording the first pair of outs, Meek loaded the bases in the ninth before Clint Hurdle gave the ball to Hanrahan to finish the Dodgers off to end the game.

On another positive note, the Pirates’ offense came alive tonight, accumulating eleven hits against Dodgers’ pitching.  Doumit, Ludwick, Andrew McCutchen, and Brandon Wood each had two hits and an RBI for Pittsburgh, while Neil Walker and Alex Presley added a hit a piece.  The only starter to not have a hit was Chase d’Arnaud, who did reach base after he was hit by a pitch in the second inning.

This is sure to be a tough seven-game road trip at L.A. and Arizona, and it was very important to have a strong performance here in the first game.  The Pirates got a strong outing from their starter, the batters were patient at the plate, stretched at-bats, and didn’t miss opportunities to drive in runs.  The bullpen came in and shut things down.  All in all, considering the skid the Pirates have been on the past month and a half, this was a very satisfying victory.

The Bucs and Dodgers will do it again tomorrow night at 10:10PM EST.  Jeff Locke will get the start for Pittsburgh, looking for his first victory.  In his first game on September 10, he gave up three runs on five hits through five innings in a 3-0 loss to the Florida Marlins. 

Record Vs. Dodgers: 2-3

Record Vs. N.L. West: 12-15

Record On The Road: 34-38

Overall Record: 68-82

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Meet Your Bucs: Matt Pagnozzi

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: Chris Schneider/AP

The Pittsburgh Pirates claimed catcher Matt Pagnozzi off waivers yesterday, after he had been designated for assignment by the Colorado Rockies on Sunday.

Pagnozzi was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 8^th round of the 2003 June amateur draft, and made his professional debut with the New Jersey Cardinals of the New York-Penn League.  After advancing to AAA Memphis in 2008 and into 2009, the Cardinals called up him in September, making his Major League Baseball debut on September 29.  Pagnozzi hit his first MLB homerun on September 28, 2010, against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

On November 29, 2011, Pagnozzi signed a minor league contract with the Colorado Rockies.  He appeared in just seven games with the Rockies this year, with six hits in only 21 plate appearances.  He played in 54 games at the Triple-A level this season, hitting .275 with three homeruns, 13 doubles, and 29 RBI’s.

The Bucs made room for Pagnozzi on the 40-man roster by transferring Steve Pearce to the 60-day DL. 

This move was obviously made for next season, and not the remaining two weeks of 2011.  While the Pirates hold club options on both Chris Snyder and Ryan Doumit, a move like claiming a 28-year old catcher from another club implies they’re not looking to exercise either of those options.  If that’s the case, the three catchers vying for the starting catching job in 2012 will be Pagnozzi, Michael McKenry, and Jason Jaramillo.

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Roberto Clemente Day Celebrated Yesterday At Cardinals-Pirates Game

Despite the fact that the Pirates lost yesterday's game to the St. Louis Cardinals, clinching their 19th straight losing season, there was still reason to celebrate and commemorate, as they acknowledged Roberto Clemente Day at PNC Park.

FFTS's Chad Carlson discussed the celebration on UpperDeckReport.com.  Check out the article below:

UpperDeckReport-Roberto Clemente Day

And...

As Always...

Let's Go Bucs!

Pirates Clinch 19th Straight Losing Season With Defeat To Cardinals

by Zane Heiple

Photo by AP

After being in the running for the division crown throughout the first four months of the season, fans could see the hopes of a plus .500 season slip out of the Pittsburgh Pirates grasp with their awful 8-22 run during the month of August.  Today’s 3-2 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals clinched that 19^th straight losing season to extend the North American record.

The loss today was like many of the losses that Pittsburgh has suffered throughout the 2011 season.  A great pitching performance and solid defense was wasted by lack of offense.  The Pirates offense mustered eight hits today, one more than St. Louis, but only scored two runs.  The second inning started off as a great opportunity to bust the game open.  Derrek Lee started off with a single, which was followed by a double by Ryan Ludwick.  With runners on second and third, Pedro Alvarez came to the plate and grounded into a fielder’s choice, which resulted in Lee being tagged out at home plate.  Next up was Ronny Cedeno who would hit into a double play to end any threat.  This type of inning sums up much of the season.

The Buccos were able to tie the game in the third inning.  After Michael McKenry double, Alex Presley would hit a one out RBI double.  Unfortunately Neil Walker would ground out and then Andrew McCutchen would strike out to leave Presley at third base.  The fourth inning saw the Red Birds score the winning run, as Yadier Molina would double home Lance Berkman and Allen Craig.  Pittsburgh cut into the lead in the sixth inning as Lee would double home Presley. 

Charlie Morton started the game and would go seven innings allowing three runs on six hits.  He would strike out six and walk three, before being lifted in place of Tony Watson.  Watson would strike out two batters and not allow a hit in his inning of work.  Jared Hughes finished the game off with one inning of work in the ninth.

While it is depressing to see another season come and go with the Pirates continuing to lose.  There have been some upsides to this season, which we will talk about in two weeks.  The Buccos wrapped up this nine game home stand with a 3-6 record.  They will now hit the road for seven games starting tomorrow night with a four game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Ross Ohlendorf will take on Dana Eveland with first pitch scheduled for 10:10pm.

Record vs. Cardinals:  7-9
Record vs. N.L. Central:  36-38
Record at PNC Park:  34-44
Overall Record:  67-82

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Cardinals Outlast Pirates In Sloppy Game At PNC Park

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

The Pirates and Cardinals faced off tonight for the 15^th time this season, having split the first 14 games.  This particular series is proving to be much more important to St. Louis, however, as, thanks to a nice five-game winning streak (before last night) and a partial Atlanta collapse, they’ve found themselves back in the N.L. Wild Card race.  The Pirates delivered a bit of a dagger in the Cards’ hearts last night, though, with a 6-5 victory at PNC Park.

St. Louis momentarily delayed the demise of their playoff hopes with a 6-4 victory over the Pirates in an ugly game at PNC Park tonight.

Chris Carpenter took the hill tonight for the Cardinals, who has had a ton of success against the Pirates in his career.  He also signed an extension with the Cards earlier today for two more years worth over $21 million.  Jeff Karstens returned tonight for Pittsburgh.  Both right-handers were looking for their 10^th win of the season, and both were part of a pretty sloppy game played at PNC Park tonight.

Neither starting pitcher had his best stuff tonight.  Carpenter gave up four runs on ten hits, including two homeruns, through his seven innings.  As for Karstens, he only lasted 4.1 innings, surrendering four runs of his own on seven hits.

The Cardinals jumped out in front in the second inning with three runs, including a two-run single from Carpenter.  The Bucs battled back, as they’ve done all year against St. Louis, with a little help from Albert Pujols.  The Cards’ first baseman botched a relatively simple play at first base, allowing Josh Harrison to reach base and Derrek Lee to score.

Lee got the Bucs a run closer with a two-out solo homerun in the third, and after St. Louis increased the lead to 4-2, Andrew McCutchen tied the game with a two-run bomb in the seventh inning.  Cutch’s homerun, his 23^rd of the season, hit in his 87^th and 88^th RBI’s of the season, and was his first hit since Friday night against the Florida Marlins.

The ninth inning proved to be just as sloppy as the rest of the game, resulting in two Cardinals’ runs off Joel Hanrahan, which would be the difference in the ballgame.  Nick Punto’s double and Pujols’s sacrifice fly delivered the runs for St. Louis, who evened the series with the Pirates, setting up the rubber match tomorrow afternoon. 

There were several close calls tonight that went against the Pirates, but more concerning were the miscues on the base-paths and missed opportunities.  In all, there were 13 runners left on base and four errors between the two teams.  This was a game that the Cardinals absolutely had to have, and they did what they had to do to come away with a victory. 

For Pittsburgh, it was obviously a frustrating loss.  Pedro Ciriaco got a well-deserved start at shortstop tonight, and had two hits, while every starting position player tallied at least one hit.  Pedro Alvarez got into the mix in a pinch-hit spot in the ninth inning with a single.  Unfortunately, after putting two men on base with no outs, the Pirates’ rally stalled and failed, capped off by Neil Walker grounding into a game-ending double play.

The Bucs have certainly held their own against the Cards this season, and they’ll have one final chance to win this series, and even the season series, against them tomorrow afternoon in the two teams’ final matchup of 2011.With the Red Birds’ playoff chances wearing awfully thin, a loss to the Pirates tomorrow could prove to be detrimental to their postseason hopes.

Pittsburgh on the other hand, lost for the 81^st time this season.  That, of course, means that they will miss a winning season for the 19^th straight year.

Record Vs. Cardinals: 7-8

Record Vs. N.L. Central: 36-37

Record At Home: 34-43

Overall Record: 67-81

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Ciriaco Two Run Double Carries Pirates Over Cardinals

by Zane Heiple

Photo by Getty Images

The Pittsburgh Pirates battled back and forth all night with the St. Louis Cardinals, and in the end it was the Buccos that came out on top with a 6-5 win.  Brad Lincoln got the start for Pittsburgh tonight and was ok during his 5.1 innings on the mound.  He would give up three earned runs on four hits while striking out one batter and walking two.  The Pirates bullpen was once again consistent as Jason Grilli would pick up his second win of the season, while Joel Hanrahan collected his 37^th save of the year, even though he gave up a run during his ninth inning appearance.

St. Louis starter Kyle Lohse left the game after six innings of work with his team holding a 4-3 lead, but the Cardinals bullpen would falter in the eighth inning.  Former Pirate Octavio Dotel gave up the tying run when Ryan Doumit would double home Chase d’ Arnaud.  Marc Rzepczynski relieved Dotel and earned his fourth blown save of the year and collected the loss.  Rzepczynski intentionally walked Ryan Ludwick, struck out Josh Harrison, and then walked Jason Jaramillo to load the bases with two outs for Pedro Ciriaco.  Ciriaco then would hit a line drive to right field to score Doumit and Ludwick for what would be the win.

After a very sluggish series against the Florida Marlins the Pirates offense came through in clutch situations to keep their team in the game and ultimately pick up the win.  The Pirates starting lineup collected nine of the ten hits tonight, where as two nights ago they only had one.  Game two of this three game series will take place tomorrow night at 7:05pm.  Chris Carpenter will go for St. Louis while the Pirates will counter with Jeff Karstens.

Record vs. Cardinals:  7-7
Record vs. N.L. Central:  35-36
Record at PNC Park:  34-42
Overall Record:  67-80

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Pirates' Offense Absent Again As Marlins Complete Sweep

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

The Pirates entered today’s game against the Marlins trying to avoid the series sweep, and the season sweep, by the N.L. East bottom-dwellers.  Florida was 5-0 against and the Bucs so far this year, and took the first pair of games this weekend at PNC Park by a combined score of 16-4. 

James McDonald took the hill for Pittsburgh looking for his tenth win of the season.  In a year that has had dramatic ups and downs, J-Mac has been arguably the most consistent Pirates’ starting pitcher. 

Unfortunately for McDonald and the Bucs, Javier Vazquez, along with the Marlins’ bullpen, pitched a strong game today, leading the Florida to a 4-1 victory to complete the sweep.

After a strong start to the game, J-Mac ran into trouble in the fifth inning, surrendering the only runs that the Marlins would score all day.  In fact, he never made it out of the inning, giving up four runs on five hits through 4.2 innings, and he was tagged for the loss, his eighth of the season.

Positives from the game?  The bullpen.  All in all, the Bucs used five relievers to throw just over four scoreless innings, which included strong innings from Tony Watson and Evan Meek.

The offense, for the second straight game, struggled to produce anything.  Jason Jaramillo had the lone RBI for the Bucs.  He went 2-2 on the day, while the rest of the team managed only four hits.  The top four in the Bucs’ lineup combined to hit 2-12, including hitless games from Andrew McCutchen and Alex Presley.  For Cutch, despite his 22 homeruns and 85 RBI’s, his batting average currently sits at a mediocre .266.

The Bucs finished 0-6 against a Marlins’ team this year that is right where they are in the record department.  This is certainly turning out to be a disastrous finish for the Pirates, who will finish up this home stand against the St. Louis Cardinals, who are continuing to play well as they make one last run for the postseason.

If they’re planning to turn things around, the Pirates will need to pick it up a TON offensively.  They scored a total of just five runs in the three games this weekend.

Record Vs. Marlins: 0-6

Record Vs. N.L. East: 12-22

Record At Home: 33-42

Overall Record: 66-80

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Sanchez Pitches Gem In Marlins Defeat Of Pirates

by Zane Heiple

Photo by AP

The Florida Marlins once again dominated the Pittsburgh Pirates tonight in a 3-0 victory.  While a three run defeat does not sound bad, the fact that Anibal Sanchez threw a complete game one hitter against what should have been one of Pittsburgh’s better offensive lineups, has to make fans wonder of this team has truly turned the corner.

Pirates’ starter Jeff Locke started his first career Major League baseball game and was not great, but did manage to keep his team in the game over the five innings that he pitched.  All three runs that he gave up came in the in third inning.  Two of his four walks came in this inning, which allowed for John Buck to single home two runs.  Donnie Murphy would then hit into a sacrifice double play, but Gaby Sanchez would score before the third out of the inning occurred.   The Pirates bullpen of Chris Leroux, Chris Resop, and Jose Veras shut the Marlins down over the four innings that they worked.

The story of the night was the Pittsburgh offense or lack thereof.  The big names of Andrew McCutchen, Neil Walker, and Pedro Alvarez went a combined 1 for 9, with the only hit being a Walker double in the second inning.  Trade deadline acquisitions Ryan Ludwick and Derrek Lee would go 0 for 6 and youngster’s Alex Presley, Chase d’Arnaud, and Michael McKenry combined for a 0 for 9 night.

Pregame Show:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muGEPR3Oa3U

It was sad to see another decent outing and only three runs scored by the other team defeat our Buccos.  It’s really hard to understand why the Marlins have the Pirates number this year.  These two teams have similar winning percentages and the Marlins have no real names or threats in their lineups.  While Sanchez is an above average pitcher, his 8-7 record and 3.64 ERA is nothing that the Pirates haven’t faced before.  I guess that’s why the game is played on the field and not on paper.

Postgame Show:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFE1hVOMYVY

Pittsburgh will have one more shot of figuring out these fish from Miami in 2011 tomorrow at 1:35pm.  James McDonald will start for Pittsburgh, while Florida will counter with Javier Vazquez who comes in with a 9-11 record and a 4.29 ERA.

Record vs. Marlins:  0-5
Record vs. N.L. East:  12-21
Record at PNC Park:  33-41
Overall Record:  66-79

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!