Correia Continues To Struggle At PNC Park, Pirates Fall To Cubs

by Zane Heiple

Photo By AP

The Pittsburgh Pirates were hoping to carry a bit of momentum from Friday night’s game into Saturday’s contest against the Chicago Cubs.  With eleven game winner Kevin Correia on the mound, fans hoped that with a little production from the offense our Buccos could put the Cubs down for the second straight night.

Correia had a very rough outing tonight as he would only last 3.2 innings tonight allowing five earned runs on nine hits, while walking one and striking out two.  He seemed to have trouble making quality pitches on the night.  With many counts going deep he was forced to throw strikes in the middle of the zone and the Chicago batters had little trouble putting the ball in play.  The loss tonight dropped his record to 11-7 on the year and his ERA is now at 4.01.  Cubs starter Ryan Dempster wasn’t much better in the stat line as his night finished after going five innings allowing three runs on seven hits, but he was able to get the Pittsburgh offense to hit the ball at his defense when it mattered most.

Pregame Show:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_0RPeovpHk

Down 4-0 in the third Pittsburgh cut into the lead after Neil Walker brought in Alex Presley, who tripled, on a ground out to second base.  The Cubs were able to get that run back in the fourth on a Starlin Castro single that brought in Darwin Barney.  The Buccos would make it a two run game in the bottom part of the inning on a Matt Diaz double that would score Garrett Jones and Michael McKenry.  That would be all the closer Pittsburgh could get as the Cubs would add a run in the ninth to take game two of this series 6-3.

Postgame Show:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBh96vhp02M

The final game before the All-Star break will be a big one as the Pirates look to win another series and home stand.  A win would also keep Pittsburgh at least one game out first place entering the break.  Lyle Overbay was pulled from the game in fourth inning, with trade rumors that Pittsburgh may try to acquire Cubs first baseman Carlos Pena, Overbay’s time in a Pirates uniform may be short.  Andrew McCutchen was named to the All-Star team, replacing Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun.  Sunday’s game is scheduled to begin at 1:35 with Paul Maholm pitching for the Pirates and Ramon Ortiz on the hill for the Cubs.

Record vs. Cubs:  5-3
Record vs. N.L. Central 19-12
Record at Home:  22-22
Overall Record:  46-43

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Morton, Alvarez Lead Pirates Over Phillies In Final Game Of Spring

By Zane Heiple

Photo Credit: Matt Slocum/AP

The Pittsburgh Pirates wrapped up a short exhibition series with their cross state rivals, the Philadelphia Phillies, with a 4-1 win. 

Charlie Morton had a great final tuneup before he sees regular season action on Sunday.  His final line was five innings pitched, one hit, zero earned runs, with two walks and two strikeouts.  If his March stats carry over to the regular season, this could be a break out year for Charlie.

Pedro Alvarez struck first for the Buccos to give them a 2-0 lead in the second inning.  He hit a two-run blast that scored Lyle Overbay off of Phillies’ pitcher Cole Hamels. 

Philadelphia cut the lead in half in the bottom part of the inning when Ben Francisco scored on a Wilson Valdez ground out.  Francisco reached base on an Alvarez throwing error.

Mike Crotta, Chris Resop, Joel Hanrahan, and Jared Hughes pitched scoreless innings over the final four frames.  Crotta struck out one, Hanrahan gave up one hit, and Hughes walked one batter.

In the sixth inning, Steve Pearce doubled off pitcher Joe Blanton and then scored two batters later on a Jordy Mercer single to centerfield. 

The Pirates’ fourth and final run of the night came on a John Bowker sacrifice fly to leftfielder Raul Ibanez that scored Josh Rodriguez.  The run was charged to Phillies’ pitcher Juan Perez.

Tonight’s final meant that the next time the Pirates take the field, it will be the season opener against the Chicago Cubs on Friday at 2:20pm.  Kevin Correia will start for the Pirates and the Cubs will send Ryan Dempster to the hill.  Be sure to check back to Fans From The Stands after the game for a complete recap.

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!