Halladay Out-Duels Bedard, Phillies Beat Pirates 1-0

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: AP

The Pirates opened the 2012 season against the Philadelphia Phillies this afternoon at PNC Park, and as is the case every year on Opening Day, optimism was at an all-time high.  Not only were both teams on an equal-playing field before the game began today, but Pirates’ fans were remembering the excitement of last year’s first half when their team was in the middle of an unprecedented run to the top of the N.L. Central division, and were playing highly-competitive baseball through July.  We all know what happened in the final couple months of the year, but taking the next step, as the team has said they’re ready to do, began today.

Unfortunately, the Bucs faced one of the best pitchers in all of baseball, Roy Halladay, and that’s exactly the way he pitched today.  The Pirates’ first two batters tallied hits, from Alex Presley and Jose Tabata, and didn’t get another hit the rest of the game.  Halladay pitched eight shutout innings and Jonathan Papelbon recorded his first save as a Phillie, as the Bucs fell to their cross-state rivals, 1-0 on the North Shore.

From the Pirates’ perspective, there were a number of positives and negatives to take away from today’s game.  Offensively, they were held in check all day long.  Andrew McCutchen grounded into a double in the first inning with two one and no outs during the Bucs’ one and only true threat to Halladay.  He, Neil Walker, Garrett Jones, and Pedro Alvarez combined to go 0-12 today.  Rod Barajas struggled as well in his three at-bats, as did Clint Barmes, who blasted a shot to the warning track in his first at-bat.  Overall, the Bucs’ hitters looked overmatched all day.

Despite the loss today, it was a strong performance by the Pirates defensively.  No errors were committed on the day as the defense made the plays they were supposed to, from Andrew McCutchen to Pedro Alvarez to Neil Walker.  Erik Bedard pitched seven strong innings for the Bucs, giving up just one run on six hits while walking one and striking out four.  Chris Resop and Juan Cruz each pitched a scoreless inning. 

More often than not, when a Pirates’ starting pitcher gives up a run or less in seven or more innings, they’re going to win the game.  Today, that wasn’t the case.  Still, it was a solid start to the season for the Bucs, and while it would’ve been nice to win the season-opener in front of the record-breaking crowd at PNC Park, it was satisfying to see one of the team’s newest acquisitions pitch strong in his debut. 

After a day off tomorrow, the Pirates and Phillies will face off again on Saturday at 7:05pm.  Cliff Lee will be opposed on the hill by Jeff Karstens.

Record vs. Phillies:  0-1

Record vs. N.L. East:  0-1

Record at Home:  0-1

Overall Record:  0-1

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Pirates Head To Pittsburgh With Loss To The Phillies

by Zane Heiple

Photo by pittsburghsportsdepot.com

Spring training is now officially over, after the Pittsburgh Pirates wrapped up a two game exhibition series with the Philadelphia Phillies in a 7-2 defeat.  Tonight's game was one final chance for those players looking to earn a roster spot to show management they were worthy of the opportunity.

Matt Hague has been they only Bucco that has shown consistent power throughout the spring, because of this he has stayed in the hunt coming into tonight's contest.  He would go 2-3 during the game.  At this point with so little power on this team, the only way I see Hague not making the roster is by a lack of versatility on his part defensively. 

Tonight was also a chance for James McDonald to throw a few innings before his first start of the season.  McDonald would go three innings allowing one run on two hits while striking out three and walking one batter.  Evan Meek also worked an inning tonight giving up one hit.

For the most part tonight's game was more about giving some minor league players one last chance in a big league atmosphere before being sent off to their respective teams.  I doubt management will look at any one players performance in this game as their final decision making determination, but it couldn't hurt for a player to perform well.  With the spring season over Pittsburgh finished with a record of 9-20-2. Ouch.

Next up for the Pirates is the day every Major League Baseball fan has been waiting for since the last out of the World Series, Opening Day.  Pittsburgh will host Philadelphia in a three game series set to kick off at 1:35 on Thursday.  Erik Bedard will be the starting pitcher for the Buccos, while the Phillies will counter with Roy Halliday.  Fans From The Stands will be in attendance, so be sure to check back after the game for pre and post game videos, along with a writeup on all the action.

And...

As Always...

Let's Go Bucs!

Halladay Quiets Pirates Offense, As Phillies Avoid Sweep

by Zane Heiple

Photo by Getty Images

Roy Halladay, along with a combination of poor pitching and defense helped the Philadelphia Phillies avoid a sweep by the Pittsburgh Pirates.  Halladay showed why he is considered one of the best pitchers in the Majors in the seven innings he pitched today.  The only blemish on his day was a two run home run that Neil Walker hit in the first inning.  After that he would allow only four more hits while striking out a total of six batters and walking one.  Roy would also go 1-3 at the plate with a walk.

James McDonald was not nearly as fortunate as his day would end after walking the bases loaded with no outs in the top of the fifth.  His first three innings were solid as he only gave up two hits to the first eleven batters he faced.  The fourth inning, he walked the first two batters and a passed ball by catcher Dusty Brown, allowed a Raul Ibanez sacrifice fly to put Philly on the board.  With the bases loaded, Chris Resop would enter the game and get one out before Ryan Howard would collect the first of three RBI today with a sacrifice fly to tie the game.  After an intentional walk, Resop would hit Carlos Ruiz to give the Phillies a lead they would not relinquish. 

Evan Meek would replace Resop in the sixth and give up a run on a single to Placido Polanco that scored Halladay.  The Pirates showed some life in the seventh, with runners on first and third, Chase Utley made a diving catch on a line drive by Jose Tabata to end the inning.

Both teams scored in the eighth inning.  Howard brought RBI number two in during the top part, while an Andrew McCutchen single would bring around Josh Harrison for the final Pirates run of the day.  Philadelphia then added two more in the top of the ninth to give themselves a 7-3 win over the Buccos.

It was a rough day for the Pirates as the Phillies capitalized on the mistakes that Pittsburgh made.  The Buccos needed to play a near perfect game when they face a great pitcher like Halladay and they were unable to accomplish that today.  McDonald will need to bounce back quick as he will be set to start again on Saturday.  Overall it was big of the Pirates to take two out of three from the top team in the National League.  They will have tomorrow off before starting a three game series with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday.

Record vs. Phillies:  2-1
Record vs. N.L. East:  6-10
Record at Home:  11-15
Overall Record:  28-30

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!