Pitch By Pitch

Joel Pineiro (4-2, 3.66) @ Ross Ohlendorf (3-3, 4.14), 7:05 P.M., PNC Park

Postgame Update:
There was a lot to feel good about in Pittsburgh last night. The Penguins destroyed the Capitals 6-2 in Game 7 of their Stanley Cup playoff series. The Pirates beat the Cardinals 5-2 and started a much-needed winning streak.

Ross Ohlendorf pitched another nice game (6IP, 2H, 1R, 5K). Pirate pitchers allowed 0 walks tonight. Matt Capps entered the game with a bit of a jam in the 9th (runners on 1st and 2nd, 1 out, 4 run lead). He allowed an Albert Pujols RBI single, but then he got Chris Duncan to ground into a double play for the save.

Jack Wilson found himself at the plate tonight. He was 3-4 with an RBI double. Like I said yesterday, it’s great having him healthy again.

Adam LaRoche hit a “home run” in the 1st that was reviewed with video replay. Replay showed that the home run hit the railing and did not clear the park. The call was overturned, and LaRoche was given an RBI double. That’s the first time that video overturned a call in PNC Park history.

Finally, in non-Pirate news, Nationals’ Ryan Zimmerman had a 30 game hitting streak going into last night. Unfortunately, he failed to record a hit against Barry Zito and the San Francisco Giants. Zimmerman spent a few months with the Harrisburg Senators on his way up to the big leagues, so I’m a fan of his. I hope he starts a new streak tomorrow (but hopefully he doesn’t hurt us too bad in our 4 game series with the Nats next week!).

Well, we’ve got a winning streak, and we’ve guaranteed a series win against the Cardinals! We’ll be reaching for the brooms tonight.

Go Bucs!

Live Updates:

Inning 1

Away
Skip Schumaker flies out to center fielder Nate McLouth.
Shane Robinson grounds out, shortstop Jack Wilson to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Albert Pujols flies out to center fielder Nate McLouth.

Home
Nyjer Morgan grounds out, second baseman Skip Schumaker to first baseman Albert Pujols.
Freddy Sanchez doubles (14) on a ground ball to left fielder Chris Duncan.
Nate McLouth grounds out to first baseman Albert Pujols. Freddy Sanchez to 3rd.
Play reviewed and overturned: Adam LaRoche doubles (9) on a fly ball to right fielder Shane Robinson. Freddy Sanchez scores.
Robinzon Diaz reaches on a fielder’s choice out, third baseman Joe Thurston unassisted. Adam LaRoche out at 3rd.

Inning 2

Away
Chris Duncan strikes out swinging.
Yadier Molina grounds out, shortstop Jack Wilson to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Colby Rasmus singles on a line drive to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.
With Khalil Greene batting, Ross Ohlendorf picks off Colby Rasmus at 1st on throw to Adam LaRoche.

Home
Andy LaRoche grounds out, shortstop Khalil Greene to first baseman Albert Pujols.
Brandon Moss singles on a ground ball to right fielder Shane Robinson.
Jack Wilson singles on a ground ball to left fielder Chris Duncan. Brandon Moss to 2nd.
Ross Ohlendorf strikes out on missed bunt.
Nyjer Morgan grounds into a force out, second baseman Skip Schumaker to shortstop Khalil Greene. Jack Wilson out at 2nd.

Inning 3

Away
Khalil Greene flies out to right fielder Brandon Moss.
Joe Thurston grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to pitcher Ross Ohlendorf.
Joel Pineiro strikes out swinging.

Home
Freddy Sanchez grounds out, shortstop Khalil Greene to first baseman Albert Pujols.
Nate McLouth lines out to center fielder Colby Rasmus.
Adam LaRoche doubles (10) on a fly ball to left fielder Chris Duncan.
Robinzon Diaz flies out to center fielder Colby Rasmus.

Inning 4

Away
Skip Schumaker homers (1) on a fly ball to right center field.
Shane Robinson grounds out, shortstop Jack Wilson to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Albert Pujols flies out to center fielder Nate McLouth.
Chris Duncan grounds out to first baseman Adam LaRoche.

Home
Andy LaRoche grounds out, shortstop Khalil Greene to first baseman Albert Pujols.
Brandon Moss doubles (3) on a fly ball to center fielder Colby Rasmus.
Jack Wilson doubles (4) on a fly ball to right fielder Shane Robinson. Brandon Moss scores.
Ross Ohlendorf grounds out softly, third baseman Joe Thurston to first baseman Albert Pujols. Jack Wilson to 3rd.
Nyjer Morgan grounds out, pitcher Joel Pineiro to first baseman Albert Pujols.

Inning 5

Away
Yadier Molina grounds out, pitcher Ross Ohlendorf to shortstop Jack Wilson to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Colby Rasmus flies out to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.
Khalil Greene grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.

Home
Freddy Sanchez grounds out, third baseman Joe Thurston to first baseman Albert Pujols.
Nate McLouth lines out to first baseman Albert Pujols.
Adam LaRoche pops out to shortstop Khalil Greene.

Inning 6

Away
Joe Thurston strikes out swinging, catcher Robinzon Diaz to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Joel Pineiro strikes out swinging.
Skip Schumaker strikes out swinging.

Home
Robinzon Diaz hit by pitch.
Andy LaRoche singles on a ground ball to left fielder Chris Duncan, deflected by third baseman Joe Thurston. Robinzon Diaz to 3rd.
Brandon Moss grounds into a force out, second baseman Skip Schumaker to shortstop Khalil Greene. Robinzon Diaz scores. Andy LaRoche out at 2nd. Brandon Moss to 1st.
Jack Wilson singles on a soft fly ball to right fielder Shane Robinson. Brandon Moss to 2nd.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Eric Hinske replaces Ross Ohlendorf.
Eric Hinske grounds out to first baseman Albert Pujols. Brandon Moss to 3rd. Jack Wilson to 2nd.
Nyjer Morgan singles on a ground ball to center fielder Colby Rasmus. Brandon Moss scores. Jack Wilson scores.
Freddy Sanchez singles on a ground ball to center fielder Colby Rasmus. Nyjer Morgan to 3rd.
Nate McLouth pops out to second baseman Skip Schumaker.

Inning 7

Away
Pitcher Change: Tyler Yates replaces Ross Ohlendorf, batting 9th.
Shane Robinson grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Albert Pujols grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Chris Duncan doubles (11) on a fly ball to right fielder Brandon Moss.
Yadier Molina grounds out to first baseman Adam LaRoche.

Home
Pitcher Change: Kyle McClellan replaces Joel Pineiro, batting 9th.
Adam LaRoche flies out to left fielder Chris Duncan.
Robinzon Diaz grounds out, shortstop Khalil Greene to first baseman Albert Pujols.
Andy LaRoche strikes out swinging.

Inning 8

Away
Pitcher Change: John Grabow replaces Tyler Yates, batting 9th.
Colby Rasmus strikes out swinging, catcher Robinzon Diaz to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Khalil Greene flies out to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.
Joe Thurston lines out to right fielder Brandon Moss.

Home
Pitcher Change: Chris Perez replaces Kyle McClellan, batting 9th.
Brandon Moss called out on strikes.
Jack Wilson pops out to third baseman Joe Thurston.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Craig Monroe replaces John Grabow.
Craig Monroe flies out to center fielder Colby Rasmus.

Inning 9

Away
Pitcher Change: Jesse Chavez replaces John Grabow, batting 9th.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Nick Stavinoha replaces Chris Perez.
Nick Stavinoha flies out to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.
Skip Schumaker singles on a line drive to center fielder Nate McLouth.
Shane Robinson singles on a line drive to left fielder Nyjer Morgan. Skip Schumaker to 2nd.
Pitcher Change: Matt Capps replaces Jesse Chavez, batting 9th.
Albert Pujols singles on a ground ball to center fielder Nate McLouth. Skip Schumaker scores. Shane Robinson to 3rd.
Chris Duncan grounds into double play, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to shortstop Jack Wilson to first baseman Adam LaRoche. Albert Pujols out at 2nd.

After a disappointing home-stand against the Reds and Brewers, the Pirates travel to St. Louis to take on the division leading Cardinals. At 17-10, the Cardinals have one of the best records in baseball, but the Pirates managed a 2-2 split with them in their season-opening series.

Tonight, we’ll see: Zach Duke (3-2, 2.21) @ Mitchell Boggs (1-0, 3.29)

Delwyn Young will be starting in right field.

Post Game Update:
Given the current state of the Pirates’ offense, it tough to win many games. Pirate hitting was too few and far between, and the Pirates lost to the Cardinals 4-2. That’s their 8th loss in 9 games. (I guess I need to be in attendance more often!)

Tonight wasn’t Zach Duke’s best outing, but he still left the game in a manageable condition. Sean Burnett continued to be the strongest member of the Bucs’ bullpen, pitching 2 and 1/3 strong innings.

Albert Pujols was nasty, as always, going 4-4 including a 1st inning homer.

Our offense needs a jump-start.

Live Updates:

Inning 1

Away
Nyjer Morgan strikes out swinging.
Freddy Sanchez doubles (13) on a ground ball to left fielder Chris Duncan.
Nate McLouth flies out to right fielder Ryan Ludwick.
Adam LaRoche strikes out swinging.

Home
Brian Barden lines out to center fielder Nate McLouth.
Joe Thurston pops out to third baseman Andy LaRoche in foul territory.
Albert Pujols homers (11) on a line drive to left center field.
Ryan Ludwick lines out to third baseman Andy LaRoche.

Inning 2

Away
Delwyn Young singles on a ground ball to left fielder Chris Duncan.
Andy LaRoche walks. Delwyn Young to 2nd.
Ramon Vazquez grounds into double play, shortstop Khalil Greene to second baseman Joe Thurston to first baseman Albert Pujols. Delwyn Young to 3rd. Andy LaRoche out at 2nd.
Jason Jaramillo walks.
Zach Duke walks. Jason Jaramillo to 2nd.
Nyjer Morgan singles on a ground ball to center fielder Colby Rasmus. Delwyn Young scores. Jason Jaramillo out at home on the throw, center fielder Colby Rasmus to catcher Yadier Molina.

Home
Yadier Molina grounds out, shortstop Ramon Vazquez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Chris Duncan grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Khalil Greene doubles (3) on a fly ball to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.
Mitchell Boggs grounds out, pitcher Zach Duke to first baseman Adam LaRoche.

Inning 3

Away
Freddy Sanchez grounds out, shortstop Khalil Greene to first baseman Albert Pujols.
Nate McLouth grounds out to first baseman Albert Pujols.
Adam LaRoche strikes out swinging.

Home
Colby Rasmus strikes out swinging.
Brian Barden grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Joe Thurston grounds out, pitcher Zach Duke to first baseman Adam LaRoche.

Inning 4

Away
Delwyn Young walks.
Andy LaRoche singles on a soft line drive to center fielder Colby Rasmus. Delwyn Young to 2nd.
Ramon Vazquez flies out to center fielder Colby Rasmus. Delwyn Young to 3rd.
Jason Jaramillo grounds out softly, catcher Yadier Molina to first baseman Albert Pujols. Andy LaRoche to 2nd.
Zach Duke called out on strikes.

Home
Albert Pujols singles on a soft line drive to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.
Ryan Ludwick walks. Albert Pujols to 2nd.
Yadier Molina lines out to center fielder Nate McLouth. Albert Pujols to 3rd.
Chris Duncan triples (2) on a line drive to center fielder Nate McLouth. Albert Pujols scores. Ryan Ludwick scores.
Khalil Greene out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Nate McLouth. Chris Duncan scores.
Mitchell Boggs grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.

Inning 5

Away
Nyjer Morgan walks.
Freddy Sanchez flies out to center fielder Colby Rasmus.
With Nate McLouth batting, Nyjer Morgan steals (7) 2nd base.
Nate McLouth doubles (1) on a line drive to right fielder Ryan Ludwick. Nyjer Morgan scores.
Pitcher Change: Trever Miller replaces Mitchell Boggs, batting 8th.
Adam LaRoche flies out to center fielder Colby Rasmus. Nate McLouth to 3rd.
Delwyn Young walks.
Pitcher Change: Kyle McClellan replaces Trever Miller, batting 8th.
Andy LaRoche grounds out, pitcher Kyle McClellan to first baseman Albert Pujols.

Home
Colby Rasmus flies out to center fielder Nate McLouth.
Brian Barden grounds out, shortstop Ramon Vazquez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Joe Thurston strikes out on foul tip.

Inning 6

Away
Ramon Vazquez strikes out swinging.
Jason Jaramillo walks.
Zach Duke reaches on fielding error by shortstop Khalil Greene. Jason Jaramillo to 2nd.
Nyjer Morgan singles on a fly ball to right fielder Ryan Ludwick. Jason Jaramillo to 3rd. Zach Duke to 2nd.
Freddy Sanchez grounds into double play, third baseman Brian Barden to second baseman Joe Thurston to first baseman Albert Pujols. Nyjer Morgan out at 2nd.

Home
Albert Pujols singles on a ground ball to center fielder Nate McLouth.
Ryan Ludwick singles on a fly ball to right fielder Delwyn Young. Albert Pujols to 2nd.
With Yadier Molina batting, Albert Pujols caught stealing 3rd base, catcher Jason Jaramillo to third baseman Andy LaRoche, Ryan Ludwick to 2nd.
Yadier Molina walks.
Pitcher Change: Sean Burnett replaces Zach Duke, batting 9th.
Chris Duncan lines into unassisted double play, first baseman Adam LaRoche. Yadier Molina doubled off 1st.

Inning 7

Away
Pitcher Change: Dennys Reyes replaces Kyle McClellan, batting 8th.
Nate McLouth pops out to second baseman Joe Thurston.
Adam LaRoche strikes out swinging.
Delwyn Young flies out to right fielder Ryan Ludwick.

Home
Khalil Greene called out on strikes.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Adam Wainwright replaces Dennys Reyes.
Adam Wainwright flies out to center fielder Nate McLouth.
Colby Rasmus flies out to right fielder Delwyn Young.

Inning 8

Away
Defensive Substitution: Skip Schumaker replaces left fielder Chris Duncan, batting 6th, playing left field.
Pitcher Change: Jason Motte replaces Dennys Reyes, batting 8th.
Andy LaRoche grounds out, shortstop Khalil Greene to first baseman Albert Pujols.
Ramon Vazquez flies out to right fielder Ryan Ludwick.
Jason Jaramillo grounds out, second baseman Joe Thurston to first baseman Albert Pujols.

Home
Brian Barden grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Joe Thurston grounds out, first baseman Adam LaRoche to pitcher Sean Burnett.
Pitcher Change: Jesse Chavez replaces Sean Burnett, batting 9th.
Albert Pujols singles on a ground ball to third baseman Andy LaRoche.
Ryan Ludwick strikes out swinging.

Inning 9

Away
Pitcher Change: Ryan Franklin replaces Jason Motte, batting 8th.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Brandon Moss replaces Jesse Chavez.
Brandon Moss grounds out to first baseman Albert Pujols.
Nyjer Morgan grounds out, second baseman Joe Thurston to first baseman Albert Pujols.
Freddy Sanchez flies out to right fielder Ryan Ludwick.

The NL Central leading Pittsburgh Pirates looked for their first winning streak of the season this afternoon.  I got to enjoy most of this game on MLB.com’s Gameday Audio.  The nice advantage of Gameday Audio over XM Radio is that you get to choose the home OR away feed.  XM Radio typically gives you only the home feed.  I quickly got annoyed with the Cardinals play-by-play announcer, so it was nice to switch to the hometown feed.

The Bucs started off nicely, with Nyjer Morgan and Freddy Sanchez leading off with hits to give the Pirates a 1-0 lead in the 1st.  Unfortunately, Ian Snell didn’t have much to offer, and this game was “over” in a hurry.  Snell gave up 8 runs (6 earned) in 4 innings of work.  Andy LaRoche has struggled at 3rd base, with 3 errors in 2 games.

Albert Pujols has destroyed the Pirates in these first two games:

Game 1: Double, Single, Fly Out, Intentional Walk, Single

Game 2: Walk, Home Run, Reached on Error, Walk, Single

Oh well.  You can’t win ‘em all.  Game 3 of the 4 game series is tomorrow at 8:15 P.M.