Bucco Beat: Episode 14

It's time for another edition of Bucco Beat, the FFTS podcast!

Zane and Chad recap and analyze the Pirates' recent series-victory over the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park.

The guys discuss the bullpen's struggles this weekend, the continued dominance of Jeff Karstens on the mound, as well as the surging bats of Alex Presley and Neil Walker.

The tickets for next Saturday's game between the Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals are still available!  Listen for instructions on how you can win the tickets!

Bucco Beat: Episode 14

And...

As Always...

Let's Go Bucs!

Pirates Take Another Road Series With 7-5 Victory In Extra Innings

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: Bob Levey/Getty Images

The Pirates entered this afternoon’s game against the Houston Astros needing to take the final game of the series before heading home for a very important home-stand at PNC Park.  The Buccos used the long ball yesterday to produce the bulk of their offense, but a horrid eighth inning doomed the club, dropping the contest to the last-place Astros, and setting up the rubber match for this afternoon.

In a game that was played more on the Astros level, the Pirates found a way to push runs across the plate, beating home team by a 7-5 score to earn another road game (and series) victory.

Pirates’ starter Kevin Correia lasted six innings, giving up three runs on five hits.  While he certainly wasn’t invincible today, he kept his team in the game, giving them a chance to win down the stretch.  His ERA continues to climb, though, which is alarming for Pirates’ fans.  After today’s effort, his ERA sits at 4.04 for the season.

The Astros took the lead in the first inning after Correia had made the first two outs with relative ease.  After a double by Jeff Keppinger, Hunter Pence slapped an RBI single through the left side of the infield, giving Houston an early advantage.

The Pirates responded in the second inning with two runs of their own from a very unlikely source.  Lyle Overbay got things started with a double.  With two outs, the Astros decided to intentionally walk Eric Fryer to put Correia to the plate with two outs.  The Buccos’ starter laced a two-run double to left field, scoring both Overbay and Fyer.  Pittsburgh occupied a 2-1 lead.

Houston responded in the third inning on a two run homerun by Keppinger.  After manager Brad Mills was thrown out of the game earlier in his at-bat for arguing balls and strikes, Keppinger blasted a ball to deep left field, scoring Clinton Barmes and giving the Astros a 3-2 lead.

Our battlin’ Buccos responded immediately in the fourth frame to tie the game.  After a Brandon Wood walk and a Fryer single, Alex Presley chopped an RBI single in between shortstop and third base, scoring Wood and evening the game, 3-3.

In his next at-bat, Wood doubled to put the lead-run in scoring position.  Presley then hammered a double of his own, scoring Wood and giving the Bucs the lead.

Joe Beimel made his first appearance in a long time for the Pirates in the seventh inning.  After getting two outs, Angel Sanchez and Michael Bourne each slapped singles, kicking Beimel out of the game in favor of Daniel McCutchen.  Andrew McCutchen made an incredible catch on a blooper hit by Barmes, charging in and sliding under Neil Walker to record the third out of the inning.

For the second straight game, the Pirates entered the bottom of the eighth inning occupying a 4-3 lead, and, for the second consecutive game, they lost the lead to the Astros.  Once again, Jose Veras started the inning, giving up a leadoff single to Keppinger.  After Pence and Carlos Lee hit two straight flyouts, Clint Hurdle opted to put Joel Hanrahan in early.  The Buccos’ closer gave up an RBI-double to Chris Johnson, allowing Keppinger to score the game-tying run.  It was Hanrahan’s first blown save of the season.

The 11^th inning showed both the Astros’ and Pirates’ true colors.  Houston committed two errors, gave up two runs and three hits, while the Pirates capitalized on the mistakes and took the game away from the Astros.

Wood led off with a double to deep right field.  After Garrett Jones flied out to left center, Xavier Paul reached base on pitcher Mark Melancon’s fielding error.  Josh Harrison, who was pinch-running for Wood, reached third.  Harrison scored and Paul advanced to second on a passed ball.  Presley then singled home Paul for this third RBI of the game.  Later in the inning, Walker was intentionally walked, and McCutchen reached base safely on pitcher Aneury Rodriguez’s throwing error, allowing Presley to score. 

Despite giving up a two-out solo homerun to Humberto Quintero, Chris Resop came in and closed out the game for Pittsburgh, earning his first save. 

Overall, this was an ugly game, and series, played by these two teams.  One expects this type of play from the Astros, a team that has just lost their 63^rd game in mid-July.  The Pirates, on the other hand, have come out of the All-Star break very sluggish.  After a well-pitched game on Friday by Jeff Karstens, Paul Maholm and Kevin Correia didn’t have their best games the past few days.

Still, the Pirates found ways to win two out of the three games this weekend.  Friday, it was Andrew McCutchen, with his two run triple, who made the difference, along with the outstanding performance from Karstens.  Today, Alex Presley, Brandon Wood, and yes, Correia, led the way on the offensive end. 

This is what good teams do.  They win even when they don’t play well.  When you’re contending for the division, which is what the Pirates are doing this year, you need to win games against the bad teams in the league.  They did that this weekend, and now they return home for an important home-stand.

The Buccos welcome the Cincinnati Reds to PNC Park for a three-game series starting tomorrow night.  James McDonald will make the start for Pittsburgh.

Record Vs. Astros: 9-3

Record Vs. N.L. Central: 22-13

Record On The Road: 26-22

Overall Record: 49-44

Costly Mistakes in Eighth Inning Send Pirates To 6-4 Defeat

by Zane Heiple

Photo By Getty Images

Tonight was one of those nights for the Pittsburgh Pirates that have become few and far between this year, but nonetheless still painful to watch.  While it may only be July, some of us feel that we can’t take games too seriously this time of year, but this team still needs to put games away against a team with the caliber of play as the Houston Astros.

The Pirates did have some great plays on defense and collected three solo home runs from Neil Walker, Lyle Overbay, and Brandon Wood.  The offense started out slow on the night as they stranded five base runners in the first two innings and while the box score showed eleven hits on the night, seven of those came from Walker and Mike McKenry.

The defense for Pittsburgh seemed sloppy all night.  In the second inning Garrett Jones had trouble getting to a fly ball hit by Jason Michaels, fortunately that did not cause any damage.  The damage did come one batter later when McKendry and Maholm appeared to get a pitch crossed up and the ball went to the back stop, allowing Carlos Lee to score.  McKendry appeared to be in position to catch the ball, and then looked like he could have made a throw to make it interesting at home plate.  McKendry then appeared to have a shot at throwing out Hunter Pence at third base in the eighth inning, but he either lost his grip on the ball or was not comfortable throwing to Brandon Wood as he was running to get in position for the throw.  Pence would then score the tying run on a Brett Wallace fielder's choice.  There was a play at the plate and after watching all the replays, the call could have gone either way.

Paul Maholm, who started for the Buccos, had a below average start from what we are used to seeing from him in 2011.  He would leave the game after only going five innings allowing three runs on nine hits, to go with three strikeouts and one walk.  He left the game with a one run lead and early on it looked like it might hold up, as Daniel McCutchen and Chris Resop set down all three batters they faced.  The problem came in the eighth when Jose Veras came to the mound.  He would walk the leadoff man and it went downhill from there as the Astros put three runs on the board and would win 6-4.

Tonights game was roller coaster with a bad ending.  I am confident that Pittsburgh will play better tomorrow, since they seem to save their worst outings for when Maholm is on the hill.  While it may not be a must win tomorrow, it is an important game.  Kevin Correia is on the hill for the Pirates, while Wandy Rodriguez will pitch for the Astros.  First pitch is scheduled for 2:05.

Record vs. Astros:  8-3
Record vs. N.L. Central:  21-13
Road Record:  25-21
Overall Record:  48-44

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Karstens Rolls For Complete Game Shutout Victory Over Astros

by Zane Heiple

Photo by Getty Images

After four days of rest and relaxation, the Pittsburgh Pirates were back in action tonight to start a three game set against the Houston Astros.  Jeff Karstens had a very good first half of the season and looked to continue that with his start tonight.  The Astros would counter with Jeff Myers.

It did not take long for the Buccos to get on the board.  After a leadoff single by Alex Presley, he would steal second, and then advance to third on a sacrifice fly by Chase d’Arnaud.  Neil Walker would bring him home for his 60^th RBI of the season.  Two innings later, with Presley and d’Arnaud on base, Andrew McCutchen would hit a bases clearing triple to put Pittsburgh up 3-0.

Astros starter Myers would exit the game after six innings of work and was replaced by Fernando Rodriguez.  Even though he gave up three runs, Myers pitched well as he struck out eleven and only walked three batters.  Rodriguez would leave the game after one inning. 

Garrett Jones would lead the eighth inning off with a walk.  He was then replaced by Xavier Paul to give the team more speed.  This move paid off quickly.  After a wild pitch by Houston reliever Sergio Escalona allowed Paul to move up to second base, Lyle Overbay would bring him home on an error by Astros second baseman Jeff Keppinger.

The story of the night however was Mr. Jeff Karstens.  He would pitch a complete game shutout allowing five hits, zero walks and striking out two.  His story so far this year is unreal.  After coming into the season scheduled to be the long relief option out of the bullpen, he has become one of the most consistent pitchers in the Majors since becoming a starter when Ross Ohlendorf went on the DL back in April.  Jeff did have help from his defense, as any pitcher does when he goes the distance.

A few side notes on the day for the Pirates.  After Daniel Moskos was sent back to AAA Indianapolis on Thursday, Joe Beimel was activated to the roster on Friday.  Jose Tabata had a set back while rehabbing in Bradenton.  Steve Pearce is on a rehab assignment in Indianapolis and Ronny Cedeno will begin his assignment in the next few days. 

The Buccos and Stros will battle in game two of this three game series tomorrow night.  Paul Maholm will get the nod for Pittsburgh, while Houston will send Bud Norris to the bump.

Record vs. Astros:  8-2
Record vs. N.L. Central:  21-12
Road Record:  25-21
Overall Record:  48-43

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

FFTS Podcast: Episode 13!

The guys of FFTS are back and rejuvenated following the All-Star break and they’re ready to cheer on our battlin’ Buccos!

In this 13^th episode, Zane and Chad have FINALLY decided on a name for the podcast, Bucco Beat!

The FFTS boys discuss the incredible first half of the 2011 season for the Pirates, led by the surprising starting pitching rotation, offensive leadership by Andrew McCutchen and Neil Walker, as well as the role players, including the likes of Presley, McKenry, and Paul, make huge contributions throughout the season.

Zane and Chad also look ahead to the rest of the season, and discuss how the rest of the year will unfold in the battle for the N.L. Central with the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals.

They also announce the latest ticket giveaway!  Listen to Bucco Beat for the opportunity for how you can win two free tickets to the Pirates-Cardinals game on Friday, July 23 at PNC Park!

FFTS Podcast: Episode 13-Bucco Beat!

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

McCutchen, Maholm Lead Pirates to 9-1 Blowout Victory Over Cubs

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

The Pirates entered the final game before the All-Star break this afternoon against the Cubs with a chance to end the day in a three-way tie for the first place.  Considering the expectations for the team by “experts” and fans alike, the Buccos are arguably the best story in Major League Baseball.

After a difficult loss last night, the Pirates and Cubs took the field this afternoon in front of a huge crowd at PNC Park in the rubber match of the series.  Paul Maholm threw 7.2 tough innings and Andrew McCutchen had 5 RBI’s as the Pirates beat the Cubs, 9-1, taking the series and completing a 4-2 home stand.

McCutchen, who was named to the N.L. All-Star team last night, had quite the game this afternoon, blasting a three-run HR deep center in the third inning, scoring Alex Presley and Neil Walker.  Cutch added sacrifices in the first and fifth to add to the Pirates’ lead. 

As for Maholm, who entered the game with a deceiving 5-9 record, pitched over seven innings of shutdown baseball.  In fact, Paul gave up just one run on four hits, lowering his ERA to a very impressive 2.96.  He picked up his sixth victory of the season, along with some minor help from Chris Resop and Jose Veras.

While Cutch certainly led the charge this afternoon, a number of Buccos contributed on the offensive end, teaming up for nine hits on the day.  Walker went 3-4, including a triple and two doubles, scoring twice and driving in a run.  Real Deal Neil’s average has now climbed to .264, and enters the All-Star break riding an eight-game hitting streak.

Presley added two hits to his stat sheet for his limited season.  “Big Al” now has seven multi-hit games in his 13 starts this year.

Garrett Jones also got into the fun with a pinch-hit, two-out, two-run double in the 9^th inning, scoring Lyle Overbay and Brandon Wood.  Overbay, despite his recent struggles at first base, did add a single for Pittsburgh in the eighth inning.

This was a tremendous response by the Pirates today against the Cubs.  After a rather disappointing loss last night, in which they certainly had some opportunities to put more runs up on the board, the offense came out strong this afternoon, led by their stars, Walker and McCutchen.  One of the important things we wanted to do this weekend was carry some momentum into the break, and, after the performance this afternoon, there’s no doubt that Bucco-fever will be running on high when the club resumes play next weekend.

In other news, Kevin Correia has been named to the N.L. All Star team due to the unavailability of Phillies’ pitcher Cole Hamels.  Correia is 11-7 this year with a 4.01 ERA.  Kevin joins McCutchen and Joel Hanrahan as the All-Star representatives for the Pirates.  This marks the first time since 1990 that three Pirates have been named to the All-Star game.

The Pirates now enter the All-Star break with a 47-43 record.  They are the third N.L. team in the history of MLB with a winning record at the break following a 100+ loss season the year before.  The Buccos will enjoy four days off before opening up a three-game series with the Astros in Houston to resume the 2011 season.

Record Vs. Cubs: 6-3

Record Vs. N.L. Central: 20-12

Home Record: 23-22

Overall Record: 47-43

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

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!!!