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!!!