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!

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!!!

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!!!

Pitching Falls Apart, Buccos Swept By Brewers

By Zane Heiple

Photo Credit: AP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Record Vs. Brewers: 0-5

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

Record On The Road: 11-11

Overall Record: 18-22

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Bullpen Tagged For Six Runs, Pirates Lose Fourth Straight

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: AP

Here we go again?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Record Vs. Brewers: 0-4

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

Record On The Road: 11-10

Overall Record: 18-21

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

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

By Zane Heiple

Photo Credit: AP

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

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

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

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

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

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

Record Vs. Brewers: 0-3

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

Record On The Road: 11-9

Overall Record: 18-20

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

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!