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!

Thomposn Deals, Bullpen Closes Out Brewers

by Zane Heiple

Photo by Getty Images

Aaron Thompson probably had a million emotions running through his body before he made his Major League debut today, but nervous had to be near the top as he would be facing a very potent Milwaukee Brewers lineup.  With the Pittsburgh Pirates recently placing Kevin Correia on the DL, Thompson got the call for the final game of this four game series and he did not disappoint.  He would only last 4.1 innings, but in that short amount of time he held the Milwaukee off the scoreboard while holding them to four hits.

Pittsburgh’s offense was not the high powered machine we saw in game two of Monday night’s game, but with the Brewers being shutout, the one run they scored in the first inning on a sacrifice fly by Andrew McCutchen, would be more than enough.  The Pirates added an insurance run in the fourth inning on another sacrifice fly, this time off the bat of Neil Walker.

Jason Grilli was called into action with one out in the fifth inning and runners on second and third.  Grilli held his ground and got Corey Hart to strikeout and Jerry Hairston to ground out to end the threat.  Jason would pitch two more innings of scoreless baseball after that, before handing the ball over to Jose Veras in the eighth inning.  Veras did not disappoint either in his one inning of work allowing one hit, walking a batter, and striking out the side.  This led the way for Joel Hanrahan, who has been shaky at times, but today he was the hammer.  After allowing a single and walk to start the inning, Hanrahan would follow Veras’s lead by striking out the next three batters he faced to Raise The Jolly Roger for the Buccos.

This was a big win for Pittsburgh as they split a four game series with the N.L. Central leading Brew Crew.  Milwaukee has owned the Pirates for much of the past few years, so this split hopefully gives the Buccos confidence for future series against the Brewers.  The Pirates will head back on the road starting tomorrow night for a four game series against the St. Louis Cardinals.  Charlie Morton will take on Edwin Jackson with first pitch scheduled for 8:15.

Record vs. Brewers:  2-10
Record vs. N.L. Central:  30-28
Record at PNC Park:  31-37
Overall Record 61-68

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Ohlendorf Roughed Up In Return As Brewers Rout Pirates

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: AP

Fresh off a huge 9-2 victory over the Brewers in the nightcap of the doubleheader last night, the Pirates entered this evening’s game looking to take their second consecutive game from the N.L. Central leaders.  Ross Ohlendorf made the start for Pittsburgh tonight for the first time since early April, hoping to put forth a strong end of the 2011 season.

It didn’t work out for Ohlendorf tonight.  The Brewers tattooed the right-hander for seven runs (four earned) on 11 hits on their way to a 11-4 blowout of our Buccos at PNC Park.

After a brief break in their dominance over the Pirates last night, the Brewers were back at it tonight, stomping all over Buccos’ pitching from the very beginning.  In all, Pirates’ pitchers were tagged for 17 hits, with five different players recording at least two hits.

Milwaukee jumped on Ohlendorf in the second inning, scoring all seven runs in the frame, burying him and eliminating much chance of a Pirates’ comeback.

The second inning was highlighted by a two-run double by Ryan Braun and a two-run homerun by Casey McGehee.  Jonathan Lucroy and Nyjer Morgan also added RBI singles.

Prince Fielder added another run in the sixth inning with his 100^th RBI on a double off Daniel McCutchen, scoring Braun. 

There were VERY few bright spots for Pittsburgh tonight, but one of them, without a doubt, was Josh Harrison, who hit his first Major League homerun in the fifth inning. 

Jose Tabata went 1-4 tonight, extending his hitting streak to nine games, while Neil Walker and Garrett Jones each had triples.  Jones’ three-bagger scored Walker from first base after he had singled home Xavier Paul for his 74^th RBI of the season.

I, like many fans out there, had high hopes for the Pirates tonight.  After finally beating the Brewers last night in convincing fashion, the hope was that the Buccos would have the momentum to carry over to tonight’s game, and have a nice shot at winning their second game of the series, setting up a chance to actually win the series tomorrow.

Now, it seems that game two last night didn’t even happen.  Pittsburgh added some late inning runs, but it was after the outcome wasn’t in doubt and Milwaukee had sat many of their regular starters.  The Brewers went right back to their usual beat down of Pittsburgh, and frustration is back at an all-time high for the Buccos and their fans.

In other news, the Pirates placed Steve Pearce on the 15-day disabled list with a broken right index finger and recalled Pedro Ciriaco.

The Pirates will try to salvage a split with the Brewers in the series finale tomorrow afternoon at PNC Park.  Aaron Thompson, who is expected to officially added to the roster tomorrow, is rumored to start for the Buccos, facing off against Milwaukee’s Shaun Marcum.

Record Vs. Brewers: 1-10

Record Vs. N.L. Central: 29-28

Record At Home: 30-37

Overall Record: 60-68

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Pirates Take Game Two, End Skid Against Brewers

by Zane Heiple

Photo by Getty Images

After being beaten easily in game one of the doubleheader, the Pittsburgh Pirates had little time feel bad for themselves, as they only had 30 minutes to prepare for game two against the Milwaukee Brewers.  The pitching matchup in this game looked to heavily favor Milwaukee as they would send former Cy Young Award winner Zack Greinke to the mound to take Brad Lincoln, who was making only his second start of the season.

The Brewers did not wait long to get on the board as leadoff batter Corey Hart took the second pitch of the game deep to centerfield.  With one out Nyjer Morgan would score from third when Prince Fielder reached safely on a fielder’s choice.  Pittsburgh answered with a run of their own, when Neil Walker brought home Jose Tabata with a single to left field that cut the Brew Crew lead to only one run.  In the fourth inning, Ryan Doumit tied the game with a solo home run to right center field.

Lincoln held his own tonight against a very formidable Milwaukee lineup.  He would go six innings allowing two runs on three hits with one walk and one strikeout.  Daniel McCutchen would replace Lincoln in the seventh and keep the Brewers off the board in an inning of work. 

The bottom part of the inning saw the Pirates open up the offense.  It all started with a Garrett Jones single and Matt Diaz being hit by a pitch.  With two runners on, Josh Harrison hit an RBI double to shallow left field.  With one out Andrew McCutchen would pinch it for D-Cutch and walk on a wild pitch that scored Diaz from third.  Jose Tabata then doubled home Harrison, which would be followed up by a Xavier Paul single that scored Cutch.  Ryan Doumit kept the hitting going with a bases loaded single that brought home Tabata.  Jones was up again and brought home another run with a sacrifice fly to the warning track to right field.  With Diaz at the plate a wild pitch would bring home Walker to bring home run number seven of the inning and give the Buccos a 9-2 lead heading into the eighth inning.

Recently called up Chris Leroux, who took the place of Kevin Correia on the 25-man roster after he headed to the DL today, finished off the last two innings to give Pittsburgh their first win over the Brew Crew in 2011.  This was a huge win for the Pirates since Milwaukee has owned them over the past few seasons.  It was great to see the Buccos capitalize on another teams mistakes and come up with a big inning like they did during the seventh inning tonight.  That being said though, Pittsburgh has two more games left with Milwaukee in this series and they don’t want to let the Brewers gain any momentum back after this win.  Tomorrow’s game will begin at 7:05pm with the Brew Crew starting Marco Estrada and Pittsburgh sending Ross Ohlendorf to the mound for his first start since early April.

Record vs. Brewers:  1-9
Record vs. N.L. Central:  29-27
Record at PNC Park:  30-36
Overall Record:  60-67

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Brewers Continue Dominance Of Pirates With 8-1 Victory In Game One Of Double-Header

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

The first-place Milwaukee Brewers came into town for a double-header against our Pirates tonight, and proved in game one why they are the hottest team in baseball.  The Brew-Crew beat down our battlin’ Buccos, who certainly didn’t battle at all, by a final score of 8-1 at PNC Park.

Pittsburgh fell to 0-9 on the season against the Brewers, who are playing better than anyone in baseball.  Jeff Karstens, who suffered his seventh loss of the season, pitched a nice game this evening.  The Buccos’ right hander gave up two runs on six hits through his seven innings of work. 

The big blow for Karstens came in the fourth inning.  After allowing two runners on with two outs, the Pirates intentionally walked Craig Counsell to load the bases for the Brewers’ pitcher, Chris Narveson.  The plan backfired for Pittsburgh as Narveson slapped a 2-run single to right field, giving the Brew-Crew a 2-0 lead.

Narveson pitched a dynamite game as well, giving up just five hits in 5.1 innings before leaving with an injury.  Kameron Loe and Takashi Saito shut the Pirates down through the seventh inning.

Milwaukee opened the game up in the eighth inning, scoring four two-out runs against Tony Watson.  Yuniesky Betancourt’s RBI double scored Corey Hart from first base to get things started.  After Casey McGehee was intentionally walked, Counsell delivered an RBI single, which scored Betancourt.  Jonathan Lucroy’s two-run double scored McGehee and Counsell, stretching the lead to 6-0.

After Ryan Ludwick blasted a homerun in the bottom of the eighth to get the Pirates on the board, Ryan Braun hammered a two-run shot in the ninth off Joe Beimel to make it 8-1.  Pittsburgh went peaceful in the ninth, with Ryan Doumit recording the final out.

As usual, the Brewers were better than the Pirates in every aspect of the game.  Their starting pitcher was better, they performed better with runners in scoring position, they fielded better, and their offense was more productive. 

Karstens pitched a solid game, giving up just two runs.  The bullpen, as has been the case as of late, led the game slip away.  Watson and Beimel combined to give up six runs on five hits through two innings of work.  To add to the frustration, the Brewers were able to score eight runs in a game in which Braun and Prince Fielder combined to go 1-10.  The Pirates, on the other hand, tallied eight hits, but were 0-8 with runners in scoring position. 

On a bright note, Jose Tabata continued his hot streak at the plate, going 3-4, while Josh Harrison added two hits, including a triple.

In other news, Steve Pearce was injured during the game, while Kevin Correia was placed on the DL.  That’s right…more injuries to the Pirates.

The two teams have a quick half hour break before taking the field again the second game of the double-header. 

Record Vs. Brewers: 0-9

Record Vs. N.L. Central: 28-27

Record At Home: 29-36

Overall Record: 59-67

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Brewers Comeback, Defeat Pirates In Extras

by Zane Heiple

Photo by AP

S.O.B.  For some us this stands as a phrase to help us deal with a frustrating moment in life.  For Pittsburgh Pirates fans this stands for Same Old Buccos, which is what we were all saying after today’s 2-1 defeat at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers and another sweep at Miller Park.  This defeat was the 36^th in 39 appearances in Milwaukee for the Buccos.

The Pirates took a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Andrew McCutchen doubled home Garrett Jones.  Charlie Morton made it look like that was all the offense he would need on the day as he would pitch 7.1 innings allowing one run on four hits with five strikeouts and two walks. 

The lone run he gave up came with two outs and Joel Hanrahan on the mound.  With a runner on second, Hanrahan would strike out Nyjer Morgan, but the ball would get away from Michael McKenry, allowing runners to be on first and third.  This led to Ryan Braun hitting a single that would tie the game, and ultimately send it to extras.

This Buccos had the bases loaded in the top of the tenth with two outs, but Brandon Wood would hit the ball an inch in front of home plate for an easy force out at home by Brewers catcher George Kottaras.  It was the bottom of the inning that allowed fans of the Brew Crew to get out their brooms.  After getting the first batter out, Chris Resop would give up a single to Kottaras and then a double to Casey McGehee.  This allowed Morgan to get back at his old ball club with a sacrifice fly to right field for the win.

S.O.B. is just what this game was, great starting pitching wasted by a lack of offense.  A 2-4 road trip was unfortunate, since the Buccos lost the last two games of the trip by one run apiece.  Pittsburgh will head home to begin three game series with the St. Louis Cardinals.  First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 with James McDonald starting for the Pirates and Jake Westbrook on the bump for the Cardinals.

Record vs. Brewers:  0-8
Record vs. N.L. Central:  25-23
Record on the Road:  30-31
Overall Record:  56-63

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Bucco Beat: Episode 18!

It’s Bucco Beat time again here on Fans From The Stands!

The Pirates have just wrapped up their six game road trip, coming away with a 2-4 record.

After a successful series in San Francisco, where they took two out of three from the Giants, the Buccos were swept at Miller Park by the Milwaukee Brewers.

Zane and Chad break down both series, while also looking ahead to the Pirates’ upcoming home stand against the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds.

Bucco Beat: Episode 18

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Pirates Still Can't Solve Brewers, Lose 1-0

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: Mark Hirsch/Getty Images

To put it simply, the Pirates can’t beat the Brewers.  Typically, it is due to the high-powered offense of the Brew-Crew, and our Buccos can’t keep pace with the hits and runs.  That is frustrating enough for fans to endure, game after game, year after year. 

But what is even more agonizing is a game like Saturday’s at Miller Park…where we get a fantastic outing from a starting pitcher, who only surrenders a single run, and we STILL can’t beat the Brewers.

Kevin Correia pitched a nice game for Pittsburgh, giving up just one run on seven hits through 6.2 innings.  Chris Resop and Daniel McCutchen came in and were solid out of the bullpen, working out of a couple of jams in the latter innings to keep the game within reach.

Unfortunately, despite the strong performance, Correia lost his 11^th game of the season.  Yuniesky Betancourt belted a solo homerun to deep left center in the second inning to score the game’s only run.  Milwaukee won the game, and clinched the series’ victory,  1-0.

The Pirates managed just three hits all afternoon, but had a golden chance in the ninth inning to at least tie the game.  Xavier Paul led off the inning with a pinch-hit triple.  Andrew McCutchen and Matt Diaz hit back-to-back groundouts, unable to push Paul across the plate.  After Garrett Jones drew a walk, Neil Walker struck out to end the threat and the ballgame.

Marco Estrada earned his third win for Milwaukee, while John Axford recorded his 34^th save of the season.

This was a frustrating loss for the Pirates…more difficult to swallow than the 7-2 beat down on Friday night.  The fact the our pitchers were able to hold the Brewers’ offense to just one run is impressive…but those are the types of games we HAVE to win if we’re going to be able to compete with the teams at the top of the division.

Paul’s triple with no outs in the ninth should have been a guarantee that the Pirates would tie the game.  With our one, two, and three hitters coming to the plate, again, it shouldn’t have been a doubt that we’d score a run.  Games like the one on Saturday are proof that the Pirates may not be ready to compete long term with the likes of the Cardinals and Brewers.

The Buccos will try to avoid the sweep this afternoon at Miller Park.  Charlie Morton will make the start for Pittsburgh, who will look to earn their first victory of the season against the Brewers.

Record Vs. Brewers: 0-7

Record Vs. N.L. Central: 25-22

Record On The Road: 30-30

Overall Record: 56-62

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Brewers Take Down Pirates.....Again

by Zane Heiple

Photo by AP

The Pittsburgh Pirates are flat out bad when they play the Milwaukee Brewers and Friday night’s game did nothing to prove this statement false.  The Buccos never led in this game and even when they did get close terrible defensive mistakes allowed the Brew Crew to make this another easy win for them.

The Brewers jumped out to a four run lead when they chased Paul Maholm from the game after the fifth inning after allowing three earned runs on seven hits.  He did not walk or strike out a batter which means that Milwaukee was patient at the plate and hit the ball when placed in the strike zone.

The Pirates scored two runs in the eighth inning to give fans a little hope that maybe a comeback was on the horizon.  Michael McKenry would double home Ronny Cedeno.  After a Ryan Doumit strikeout, Andrew McCutchen would bring the Fort home on a ground rule double.  This would be all the offense that Pittsburgh would bring to the park, as the Brew Crew made this a laugher in the bottom part of the inning.

After Jason Grilli pitched two scoreless innings in relief of Maholm, Joe Beimel would come out of the pen and serve up to gifts to the first two batters he faced.  Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder do not need any help hitting home runs, but Beimel was in a giving mood on this night as these two Brewers would hit back to back home runs of Joe, sending him to the showers after facing two batters and not getting an out.  The final run came off of a Jonathan Lucroy single, which gave Milwaukee a 7-2 victory over Pittsburgh.

This was a game that felt like the Brewers were toying with the Pirates just to embarrass them again in the eighth inning.  Pittsburgh will get attempt number two of three to figure out Milwaukee in a nationally televised game this afternoon.  Kevin Coreia will take the hill for the Buccos, while the Brew Crew will send Marco Estrada to the bump.  First pitch scheduled for 4:10pm on FOX.

Record vs. Brewers:  0-6
Record vs. N.L. Central:  25-21
Record on the Road:  30-29
Overall Record:  56-61

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Brewers' Series Still A Big Deal

By Chad Carlson

Two weeks ago, this could’ve been a battle for first place in the N.L. Central.  Now, since one team has endured a recent 10-game losing streak while the other has won 13 of their last 15, this weekend’s series between the Pirates and Milwaukee Brewers falls into the same category as most have over the years.  There’s not much at stake, and the Brewers are expected to win easily.

The Pirates start today 10 games back of Milwaukee in the N.L. Central.  While the 10-game skid suffered against the Phillies, Cubs, and Padres have driven a lot of fans away from Bucco interest, there is still a lot for fans to cheer for over the next six weeks. 

First of all, the Pirates have had a horrible month of August thus far, and they look like a different team since the All Star break.  But, to their credit, and to the astonishment of quite a few, they traveled to San Francisco and took two of three from the World Series champion Giants at AT&T Park, a very difficult place to play. 

Pittsburgh is 2-1 so far on this road trip, with three left against a team that they are winless against so far this season in five attempts, and against a team they have lost to nine straight times dating back to last season.  The Brewers are playing as good (if not better) than anyone in baseball, and while their road woes plagued them earlier in the year, it seems they are the favorite every time they take the field, whether it be at Miller Park or elsewhere. 

So why should we believe that this series will be any different?

Throughout the course of the 2011 season, the Pirates have knocked out one obstacle after another, from drastically improving the road record, to winning series against the Phillies and Red Sox in front of record-breaking crowds, to sending three players to the All-Star game.  But the one thing they haven’t been able to accomplish yet this season has been to beat the Brewers.

This is a statement series for the Pirates.  Milwaukee has no respect for Pittsburgh as a baseball team…and up to this point, they shouldn’t.  Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder, Nyjer Morgan, and the rest of the Brewers look down on the Pirates.  They don’t respect them.  The Brewers are proof that small market teams can compete with the big guns in baseball, and they know that.  They are arrogant and they don’t believe the Pirates belong on the same field as them.

The Pirates need to take the next step as a team and prove that they do, indeed, belong on the field with the Brewers, that, while they may have too much ground to make up this season, they do belong in the conversation about the N.L. Central leaders along with the Brewers and Cardinals.

Sitting at 56-60, the Bucs still have a realistic shot at finishing above the .500 mark.  With ten games against both Milwaukee and St. Louis remaining on this year’s schedule, they can still make a lot of noise, and, at the very least, be a nuisance for both their divisional foes down the stretch.

Starting tonight, it’s time for the Pirates to take a stand against the Brewers.  If  they’re going to beat us, they’re going to need to outplay us for nine innings.  We’re not going to fold.  We’re not going to be intimidated.  We belong on this field with you.  We can compete with you.  And we’re going to beat you…in front of your home crowd.

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Pirates Offense Waste Morton's Start, Lose Sixth Straight

by Zane Heiple

Photo by Getty Images

After a night where the Pittsburgh Pirates pitching staff was shelled for eleven runs, Charlie Morton did all he could to help the Buccos defeat the Chicago Cubs tonight.  Unfortunately the Pittsburgh offense was once again shut down, this time in a 1-0 defeat.

Morton rolled all night long as he would go seven innings allowing zero runs on seven hits, with seven K's and two walks.  The only jam that Chuck would be in all night came in the sixth when he allowed two singles and walked a batter to load the bases with two outs.  He was able to end the threat by getting Marlon Byrd to ground out.  Cubs starter Matt Garza was equally as good, also going seven innings striking out seven and walking two batters, but most importantly he did not give up a run.

The only run scored on the night came in the eighth inning when Pirates reliever Chris Resop gave up a solo home run to Starlin Castro.  Castro has been killing the Pirates this series as he has gone 9-14 in three games and will have a chance to improve that with one game left.

The offense was absolutley dismal tonight, which has been the story since the All-Star break. As a team they collected four hits, two from Pedro Alvarez, and left seven men on base.  The 3-4-5 hitters went a combined 1-10.

Coming into the home stand, the Buccos needed to beat the Cubs at least three times to keep pace with the Milwaukee Brewers.  The opposite has happend and it looks like any hope for late season magic and a run at the post season has all but ended.  Tonights loss drops the team to a game under .500 and 6.5 games back of the Brew Crew.  They will have one more shot at the North Siders tomorrow night at PNC Park.  First pitch is scheduled at 7:05pm with James McDonald going for Pittsburgh, while Chicago counters with Rodrigo Lopez.

Record vs. Cubs:  6-6
Record vs. N.L. Central:  25-19
Record at PNC Park:  26-28
Overall Record:  54-55

And...

As Always...

Let's Go Bucs!!!

Lee's Two Home Runs Can't Lift Pirates Past Cubs

by Zane Heiple

Photo by Getty Images

There was a lot of energy at PNC Park tonight as Derrek Lee and Ryan Ludwick would make their debuts in Pittsburgh Pirates uniforms tonight as they did battle with the Chicago Cubs.  Lee would have an amazing night at the plate going 2-4 with two home runs and three RBI.  Ludwick did not have as much luck as he would go 0-3 with a walk and two strikeouts.  Unfortunately for Pittsburgh Lee’s homers were not enough as they dropped their fourth straight game with a 5-3 loss to the Cubs.

Paul Maholm was on the mound tonight and thru the first five innings looked like the pitcher we have seen all season long, consistent with little to no run support.  Thru five innings he gave up one run on one hit.  It was the sixth inning that would haunt him.  Maholm was hit hard this inning allowing three runs on three hits.  Walks also hurt Paul tonight as he would give up three on the night.  When it was said and done, Maholm would go 6 innings allowing four runs on six hits  with three K’s and three walks.  The bullpen held it together as Jason Grilli pitched one inning of scoreless baseball striking out one batter.  Daniel McCutchen did give up an insurance run to the Cubs in the ninth.  He would pitch two innings striking out one and walking two. 

The offense did seem to gain a little bit of a spark tonight as seven of the eight position players to start the game did have at least one hit.  Unfortunately they did not come thru when it counted as eleven Buccos would be left on base.  Another chilling statistic was that out of the ten Pirates hits on the night only three were extra base hits, the two Lee home runs and an eighth inning double by Neal Walker.  Pedro Alvarez had two singles tonight but made a base running error when he was picked off second base by Chicago starter Carlos Zambrano.

This four game slide has the Pirates only a game over .500 now after they had been as many as seven over.  It also sees them drop to 5.5 games back of the division leading Milwaukee Brewers.  If this team is not feeling the pressure of a pennant race yet, I’m not sure they will.  With the loss tonight, these next three games against the Cubs become that much more important.  Kevin Correia will look to have a good outing at home tomorrow, while Randy Wells will look to give the Cubbies their third win in a row.

Record vs. Cubs:  6-4
Record vs. N.L. Central:  25-17
Record at Home:  26-26
Overall Record:  54-53

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Bucs Salvage Series, Earn Split With Braves

by Zane Heiple

Photo By AP

As if a four game series is not long enough, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Atlanta Braves had two games go to extra innings and two delayed by rain.  Tonight’s game was the latter, and like the first game of the series that was delayed by rain, it saw the Pirates come out on top.  Tonight our Battlin’ Buccos won 5-2.

Kevin Correia continued his trend of pitching well on the road tonight as he picked up his 12^th win of the season going 6.1 innings allowing one earned run on nine hits, with three strikeouts and one walk.  Joe Beimel finished off the seventh inning and got the first two outs of the eighth before Joel Hanrahan stepped in and collected four outs to earn his 30^th save of the year.

After Atlanta scored in the bottom part of the first inning, Pittsburgh would tie it in the top of the second, when Kevin Correia singled home Lyle Overbay.  The Buccos took the lead for good in the fifth.  Andrew McCutchen would hit an RBI double and Pedro Alvarez would ground out to first allowing Garrett Jones to score from third.

The Braves inched closer in the sixth when Dan Uggla hit the ball to Ronny Cedeno.  Cedeno made a throwing error to first that allowed Freddie Freeman to score from second base.  Cutch would strike the final blow in the ninth inning by giving the Pirates two insurance runs on a home run to left centerfield.

This was a big win for the Pirates in what ended up being a very grueling series.  The proved that they were able to hang with one of the better teams in the National League and currently sit 1.5 games back of the Milwaukee Brewers.  The level of difficulty is about to get amped up on this road trip as the Pirates head north to take on in state rivals the Philadelphia Phillies in a three game set.  The Phillies maybe at the top of the NL, but they have lost three of their last four and two straight to the San Francisco Giants.  While Pittsburgh did take 2 of 3 from Philly earlier in the year, it will take a complete team effort to have this kind of success once again.  Game one is tomorrow night at 7:05 with Charlie Morton taking on Roy Halladay.

Be sure to check out www.fansfromthestands.com tomorrow night for coverage of the Pirates game and the Washington Nationals vs. New York Mets.  Chad and I will be on location in our nation’s capital giving you an inside look at Nationals Ballpark.

Record vs. Braves:  2-4
Record vs. N.L. East:  12-16
Record on the Road:  28-24
Overall Record:  54-49

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Meet Your Bucs: Eric Fryer

by Zane Heiple

Photo by web.minorleaguebaseball.com

A few days ago Fans From The Stands reported on how the Pittsburgh Pirates would be making a few moves with their roster to get them through interleague play and a doubleheader.  Today they made a move that was not originally in those plans, when they designated catcher Dusty Brown for assignment and called up Eric Fryer from AAA Indianapolis.  Fryer will be the seventh catcher to be on the Buccos roster this season.

Eric Fryer is a former tenth round pick of the 2007 MLB Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers.  He would become a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2009, along with Casey Erickson, when they came over from the New York Yankees for Eric Hinske.  Many scouts consider him to be an athletic catcher with good speed and a strong arm.  He spent the 2009-10 seasons in the Pittsburgh organization at High A and was with AA Altoona to start the 2011 season.

His combined stats with Altoona and Indianapolis are a .315 batting average with seven home runs and twenty-five RBIs.  Defensively behind the plate he has posted a .986 fielding position, while throwing out 25% of runners who have tried to steal.  He has played outfield in the Minor Leagues, but since the Pirates only have two catchers on the roster he will be used to back up Michael McKenry.

Stay tuned to www.fansfromthestands.com for more roster updates as they happen.

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!

Pirates Continue to Struggle At The Plate, Lose Again At Home

By Zane Heiple

Photo Credit: Scott Halleran/Getty Images

After going 40-41 at home during the 2010 season, the 2011 home schedule could not have gotten off to a much worse start.  The Pirates wrapped up a rain shortened, six game home stand with a 4-1 loss to the Brewers on Thursday night.

Paul Maholm started for the Buccos and pitched much better than he did a week ago at the home-opener.  He finished his day going seven innings, allowing two runs on four hits, while walking three and striking out six batters. 

Unfortunately for the Paul, he, like his fellow starters, was unable to receive any support from the offense.  The bats were unable to do anything against Randy Wolf, Kameron Loe, and John Axford.  These three Milwaukee pitchers combined for 14 strikeouts, five walks, while allowing only four hits.

The Brew Crew scored two runs in the first inning.  Yuniesky Betancourt singled home Casey McGehee from second base to get things started.  Nyjer Morgan made it a 2-0 game when he doubled home Betancourt.

Joel Hanrahan pitched the ninth inning and looked to be rusty, giving up two more runs in the inning to give the Brewers a 4-0 lead.

It took a wild pitch with the bases loaded for the Pirates to score their first run in twenty-two innings.  Any hope of a ninth-inning comeback was quickly put to rest when Josh Rodriguez struck out to end the game one pitch later.

A 1-5 home stand is a terrible way for the Pirates to greet the home fans to begin 2011.  Fortunately for the Buccos, most of Pittsburgh is distracted by the Penguins in their quest of the Stanley Cup.  I hate seeing that only twelve games into the season, Pedro Alvarez needs to rest so that he can focus on his plate discipline.  At 24 years of age, the so-called future of the team, as an overall number one pick, he needs to be working on his offensive skills during off days and before games.  I don’t see the Pirates winning many games with Steve Pearce at third base.

Pittsburgh begins a seven-game road trip tomorrow as they head to Cincinnati to take on the Reds.  Hopefully the Pirates are able to end this four-game losing streak and find the road magic they had in Chicago and St. Louis.

Record Vs. Brewers: 0-2

Record Vs. N.L. Central: 4-4

Record At Home: 1-5

Overall Record: 5-7

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Correia Falls Apart In The Sixth, Pirates Shutout By Brewers

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: Scott Halleran/Getty Images

After last night’s game was postponed and rescheduled to August due to rain, the Milwaukee Brewers and Pittsburgh Pirates began their now two-game series at PNC Park this evening.  Shaun Marcum and Kevin Correia each took to the mound for their respective teams on an extra day’s rest, so both were expected to be that much crisper and on target for the game this evening.  Both teams entered tonight’s matchup with a 5-5 record, and it’s never too early to gain an edge on a divisional opponent.

Both pitchers came out strong tonight, going through the opposing club’s lineup with apparent ease.  Correia and Marcum each pitched near flawlessly through the first five innings of the game. 

Unfortunately for us Pirates’ fans, Correia was the pitcher who broke down in the sixth inning.  After not allowing a single hit through the previous five frames, Kevin was tagged for four runs in the fifth alone. 

Carlos Gomez’s sacrifice fly to shallow right started the scoring for the Brewers, as Jonathan Lucroy tagged and crossed home from third base, giving them a 1-0 lead.  The big blow came from the bat of Prince Fielder, as it so often has in the past between these two teams.  After Marcum and Ryan Braun reached base, Fielder hammered a monstrous three-run homerun to deep center field, increasing the Brewers’ advantage to 4-0.

Milwaukee continued the scoring in the seventh inning.  Yuniesky Betancourt doubled to deep left center, scoring Nyjer Morgan, and then advanced to third base on a throwing error.  Betancourt scored on Marcum’s sacrifice ground out to shortstop, extending the lead to 6-0 in favor of the Brewers.

As for Correia, he pitched five innings of phenomenal baseball, and then had a REALLY bad inning.  His final stat line read six innings, six runs (four earned), five hits, two walks, and one strikeout, raising his ERA to 2.70.  His mound opponent, Marcum, threw seven innings, giving up only four hits and issuing one walk while striking out four batters, lowering his ERA to 2.55.

As a team, the Pirates’ offense was putrid, managing just four hits throughout the entire game.  Matt Diaz had a two-hit evening, while Pedro Alvarez and Lyle Overbay had a hit a piece.  While their opportunities were extremely limited, the Buccos did have a few chances to cut into the Brewers’ lead tonight, but to no avail. 

On a night like tonight, it’s very difficult to find positives.  The Pirates’ bullpen came in and did a solid job.  Mike Crotta, Chris Resop, and Evan Meek each pitched an inning of shutout baseball.  On the offensive side, the only positive note of the night would be Diaz, who went 2-3, starting in place of Garrett Jones in right field.

It’s safe to say the Pirates are reeling at this point.  They have fallen to 5-6 for the season, and after a promising start to the season, the club has struggled to incorporate strong pitching and timely hitting into the same ballgame for the past week.  Jose Tabata, Neil Walker, and Andrew McCutchen were a combined 0-10 tonight, which is completely unacceptable for the top three hitters in the lineup.  Cutch’s average has dropped to a discouraging .231, while Walker’s isn’t much higher at .273.  While one would anticipate these averages coming up soon, it’s still frustrating to see these averages as low as they are right now.  Currently, Tabata is the only Bucco with an average over the .300 mark.

The Pirates will look to avenge tonight’s loss against the Brewers again tomorrow evening.  Paul Maholm will take the ball for the Buccos.  At 5-6 and a rather difficult road trip ahead, this is a VERY important game for the Pirates to hopefully get back on the winning track before leaving Pittsburgh.

Record Vs. Brewers: 0-1

Record Vs. N.L. Central: 4-3

Record At Home: 1-4

Overall Record: 5-6

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!