Pitch By Pitch

Charlie Morton (RHP) (0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0 K) @ Jason Hammel (RHP) (4-3, 4.10 ERA, 42 K)

8:10 P.M. EST @ Coors Field

Craig Monroe was designated for assignment, and Steven Pearce was recalled from AAA-Indianapolis. Charlie Morton gives his “1st” start for the Pirates a 2nd chance. He takes the mound against Jason Hammel, tonight at 8:10 at Coors Field.

Post Game Updates
Tonight’s loss to the Rockies is very very frustrating.

Down 4-2 after 6 innings, the Pirates got a 4 runs 7th, and they added a run in the 8th to take a 7-4 lead.

The bullpen couldn’t hold it, and the Rockies scored 3 in the 8th and 2 in the 9th to finish a 9-7 victory.

Charlie Morton did his job, holding the Rockies to 2 runs after 5. Sean Burnett didn’t pitch well in the 6th, but Pirate batters bailed him out in the 7th. John Grabow was a disaster in the 8th, and Jesse Chavez was no better in the 9th.

Nyjer Morgan was 4-5 with a run and an RBI. McCutchen was 1-5 with a run and 3 RBI. Brandon Moss went 3-4.

Live Updates:

Inning 1

Away
Andrew McCutchen grounds out sharply, second baseman Clint Barmes to first baseman Todd Helton.
Nyjer Morgan strikes out swinging.
Freddy Sanchez grounds out, shortstop Troy Tulowitzki to first baseman Todd Helton.

Home
Dexter Fowler grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Clint Barmes pops out to pitcher Charlie Morton.
Todd Helton strikes out swinging.

Inning 2

Away
Adam LaRoche strikes out swinging.
Andy LaRoche singles on a sharp ground ball to center fielder Dexter Fowler.
Brandon Moss doubles (12) on a line drive to left fielder Carlos Gonzalez. Andy LaRoche scores.
Jason Jaramillo pops out to first baseman Todd Helton.
Jack Wilson strikes out swinging.

Home
Brad Hawpe called out on strikes.
Troy Tulowitzki walks.
Ian Stewart doubles (8) on a line drive to right fielder Brandon Moss. Troy Tulowitzki scores.
Carlos Gonzalez flies out to center fielder Andrew McCutchen. Ian Stewart to 3rd.
Chris Iannetta walks.
Jason Hammel grounds into a force out, shortstop Jack Wilson to second baseman Freddy Sanchez. Chris Iannetta out at 2nd.

Inning 3

Away
Charlie Morton lines out to right fielder Brad Hawpe.
Andrew McCutchen grounds out, third baseman Ian Stewart to first baseman Todd Helton.
Nyjer Morgan singles on a ground ball to center fielder Dexter Fowler.
Freddy Sanchez doubles (23) on a line drive to center fielder Dexter Fowler. Nyjer Morgan scores.
Adam LaRoche flies out to center fielder Dexter Fowler.

Home
Dexter Fowler flies out to left fielder Nyjer Morgan in foul territory.
Clint Barmes strikes out swinging.
Todd Helton singles on a soft line drive to center fielder Andrew McCutchen.
Brad Hawpe grounds out, shortstop Jack Wilson to first baseman Adam LaRoche.

Inning 4

Away
Andy LaRoche grounds out, shortstop Troy Tulowitzki to first baseman Todd Helton.
Brandon Moss singles on a line drive to right fielder Brad Hawpe.
Jason Jaramillo grounds into double play, pitcher Jason Hammel to shortstop Troy Tulowitzki to first baseman Todd Helton. Brandon Moss out at 2nd.

Home
Troy Tulowitzki called out on strikes.
Ian Stewart triples (1) on a line drive to center fielder Andrew McCutchen.
Carlos Gonzalez singles on a ground ball to center fielder Andrew McCutchen. Ian Stewart scores.
With Chris Iannetta batting, Carlos Gonzalez steals (3) 2nd base.
Chris Iannetta lines into double play, first baseman Adam LaRoche to second baseman Freddy Sanchez. Carlos Gonzalez doubled off 2nd.

Inning 5

Away
Jack Wilson grounds out, shortstop Troy Tulowitzki to first baseman Todd Helton.
Charlie Morton grounds out, shortstop Troy Tulowitzki to first baseman Todd Helton.
Andrew McCutchen strikes out swinging.

Home
Jason Hammel grounds out, shortstop Jack Wilson to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Dexter Fowler singles on a ground ball to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
With Clint Barmes batting, Dexter Fowler steals (12) 2nd base.
Clint Barmes pops out to second baseman Freddy Sanchez.
Todd Helton flies out to center fielder Andrew McCutchen.

Inning 6

Away
Nyjer Morgan singles on a bunt ground ball to pitcher Jason Hammel.
Freddy Sanchez out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Jason Hammel to first baseman Todd Helton. Nyjer Morgan to 2nd.
Adam LaRoche walks.
Andy LaRoche lines out to center fielder Dexter Fowler.
Brandon Moss grounds out, second baseman Clint Barmes to first baseman Todd Helton.

Home
Pitcher Change: Sean Burnett replaces Charlie Morton, batting 9th.
Brad Hawpe grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Troy Tulowitzki singles on a line drive to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.
Ian Stewart homers (13) on a fly ball to center field. Troy Tulowitzki scores.
Carlos Gonzalez grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Chris Iannetta singles on a line drive to center fielder Andrew McCutchen.
Jason Hammel grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.

Inning 7

Away
Jason Jaramillo singles on a line drive to center fielder Dexter Fowler.
Jack Wilson singles on a line drive to left fielder Carlos Gonzalez. Jason Jaramillo to 2nd.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Delwyn Young replaces Sean Burnett.
Delwyn Young walks. Jason Jaramillo to 3rd. Jack Wilson to 2nd.
Pitcher Change: Matt Daley replaces Jason Hammel, batting 9th.
Andrew McCutchen triples (4) on a fly ball to center fielder Dexter Fowler. Jason Jaramillo scores. Jack Wilson scores. Delwyn Young scores.
Nyjer Morgan singles on a sharp ground ball to center fielder Dexter Fowler. Andrew McCutchen scores.
Freddy Sanchez strikes out swinging.
Pitcher Change: Alan Embree replaces Matt Daley, batting 9th.
Adam LaRoche lines into double play, second baseman Clint Barmes to first baseman Todd Helton. Nyjer Morgan doubled off 1st.

Home
Pitcher Change: Steven Jackson replaces Sean Burnett, batting 9th.
Dexter Fowler grounds out sharply to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Clint Barmes grounds out, third baseman Andy LaRoche to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Todd Helton grounds out, shortstop Jack Wilson to first baseman Adam LaRoche.

Inning 8

Away
Andy LaRoche doubles (14) on a line drive to left fielder Carlos Gonzalez.
Brandon Moss doubles (13) on a sharp ground ball to center fielder Dexter Fowler, deflected by second baseman Clint Barmes. Andy LaRoche scores.
Pitcher Change: Joel Peralta replaces Alan Embree, batting 2nd.
Defensive Substitution: Omar Quintanilla replaces pitcher Alan Embree, batting 9th, playing second base.
Jason Jaramillo walks.
Jack Wilson ground bunts into a force out, pitcher Joel Peralta to third baseman Ian Stewart. Brandon Moss out at 3rd. Jason Jaramillo to 2nd. Jack Wilson to 1st.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Eric Hinske replaces Steven Jackson.
With Eric Hinske batting, Joel Peralta picks off Jason Jaramillo at 2nd on throw to Troy Tulowitzki.
Eric Hinske strikes out swinging.

Home
Pitcher Change: John Grabow replaces Steven Jackson, batting 9th.
Brad Hawpe walks.
Troy Tulowitzki strikes out swinging.
Ian Stewart strikes out swinging.
Carlos Gonzalez singles on a line drive to right fielder Brandon Moss. Brad Hawpe to 2nd.
Chris Iannetta homers (10) on a fly ball to center field. Brad Hawpe scores. Carlos Gonzalez scores.
Omar Quintanilla strikes out swinging.

Inning 9

Away
Pitcher Change: Huston Street replaces Joel Peralta, batting 2nd.
Andrew McCutchen grounds out, shortstop Troy Tulowitzki to first baseman Todd Helton.
Nyjer Morgan singles on a line drive to right fielder Brad Hawpe.
Freddy Sanchez strikes out swinging. Nyjer Morgan steals (17) 2nd base. Nyjer Morgan advances to 3rd, on throwing error by catcher Chris Iannetta.
Huston Street intentionally walks Adam LaRoche.
Andy LaRoche grounds into a force out, shortstop Troy Tulowitzki to second baseman Omar Quintanilla. Adam LaRoche out at 2nd.

Home
Pitcher Change: Jesse Chavez replaces John Grabow, batting 9th.
Dexter Fowler flies out to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Seth Smith replaces Huston Street.
Seth Smith singles on a ground ball to right fielder Brandon Moss.
Todd Helton homers (9) on a fly ball to right center field. Seth Smith scores.

Jorge De La Rosa (LHP) (0-3, 3.53 ERA, 35 K) @ Paul Maholm (LHP) (3-1, 4.06 ERA, 21 K)

7:05 P.M. EST @ PNC Park

The Rockies come to Pittsburgh for a 3 game series with the Bucs.

Post Game Update:
This game stung in every sense of the word. The Pirates are still struggling to put runs on the board, but thanks to a great start by Paul Maholm, an OK relief effort from Tyler Yates, and a good relief effort from John Grabow, the Bucs were in position to win until Matt Capps took the mound in the top of the ninth.

The only run up to that point came from a Nate McLouth single and stolen base, followed by a Craig Monroe RBI single.

In the top of the ninth, with struggling Capps at the mound, the Rockies went: Ground Rule Double, Home Run, Single, Ground Out, Fly Out, Single, Stolen Base, Single.

In the bottom of the ninth, the Bucs mysteriously pinch hit Ramon Vazquez for Andy LaRoche. Regardless, Huston Street struck out the side to collect the save that Matt Capps left on the mound.

Sigh.

Live Updates:

Inning 1

Away
Dexter Fowler grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Troy Tulowitzki singles on a line drive to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.
With Todd Helton batting, Troy Tulowitzki steals (3) 2nd base.
Todd Helton flies out to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.
Garrett Atkins grounds out, third baseman Andy LaRoche to first baseman Adam LaRoche.

Home
Nyjer Morgan flies out to left fielder Ryan Spilborghs.
Freddy Sanchez called out on strikes.
Nate McLouth grounds out, first baseman Todd Helton to pitcher Jorge De La Rosa.

Inning 2

Away
Brad Hawpe singles on a line drive to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.
Ryan Spilborghs grounds into a force out, third baseman Andy LaRoche to second baseman Freddy Sanchez. Brad Hawpe out at 2nd. Ryan Spilborghs to 1st.
Chris Iannetta flies out to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.
Clint Barmes called out on strikes.

Home
Craig Monroe strikes out swinging.
Adam LaRoche singles on a ground ball to right fielder Brad Hawpe.
Robinzon Diaz pops out to second baseman Clint Barmes in foul territory.
Andy LaRoche singles on a line drive to left fielder Ryan Spilborghs. Andy LaRoche out at 2nd, left fielder Ryan Spilborghs to second baseman Clint Barmes.

Inning 3

Away
Jorge De La Rosa flies out to center fielder Nate McLouth.
Dexter Fowler flies out to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.
Troy Tulowitzki doubles (5) on a fly ball to center fielder Nate McLouth.
Todd Helton singles on a ground ball to shortstop Jack Wilson. Troy Tulowitzki to 3rd.
Garrett Atkins flies out to right fielder Craig Monroe.

Home
Jack Wilson flies out to left fielder Ryan Spilborghs.
Paul Maholm grounds out, shortstop Troy Tulowitzki to first baseman Todd Helton.
Nyjer Morgan called out on strikes.

Inning 4

Away
Brad Hawpe grounds out, shortstop Jack Wilson to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Ryan Spilborghs grounds out, third baseman Andy LaRoche to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Chris Iannetta doubles (4) on a line drive to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.
Clint Barmes pops out to third baseman Andy LaRoche in foul territory.

Home
Freddy Sanchez strikes out swinging.
Nate McLouth grounds out, second baseman Clint Barmes to first baseman Todd Helton.
Craig Monroe doubles (2) on a ground ball to left fielder Ryan Spilborghs.
With Adam LaRoche batting, wild pitch by Jorge De La Rosa, Craig Monroe to 3rd.
Adam LaRoche grounds out, first baseman Todd Helton to pitcher Jorge De La Rosa.

Inning 5

Away
Jorge De La Rosa called out on strikes.
Dexter Fowler walks.
With Troy Tulowitzki batting, Dexter Fowler picked off and caught stealing 2nd base, pitcher Paul Maholm to first baseman Adam LaRoche to shortstop Jack Wilson.
Troy Tulowitzki strikes out swinging.

Home
Robinzon Diaz singles on a line drive to left fielder Ryan Spilborghs.
Andy LaRoche called out on strikes.
Jack Wilson grounds out, third baseman Garrett Atkins to first baseman Todd Helton. Robinzon Diaz to 2nd.
Paul Maholm strikes out swinging.

Inning 6

Away
Todd Helton flies out to center fielder Nate McLouth.
Garrett Atkins grounds out, shortstop Jack Wilson to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Brad Hawpe called out on strikes.

Home
Nyjer Morgan strikes out swinging.
Freddy Sanchez grounds out, second baseman Clint Barmes to first baseman Todd Helton.
Nate McLouth singles on a line drive to right fielder Brad Hawpe.
With Craig Monroe batting, Nate McLouth steals (4) 2nd base.
Craig Monroe singles on a line drive to left fielder Ryan Spilborghs. Nate McLouth scores. Craig Monroe to 2nd on the throw.
Adam LaRoche strikes out swinging.

Inning 7

Away
Ryan Spilborghs grounds out, pitcher Paul Maholm to second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Chris Iannetta grounds out, third baseman Andy LaRoche to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Clint Barmes grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.

Home
Robinzon Diaz doubles (3) on a line drive to center fielder Dexter Fowler.
Andy LaRoche strikes out swinging, catcher Chris Iannetta to first baseman Todd Helton.
Jack Wilson strikes out swinging.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Delwyn Young replaces Paul Maholm.
Delwyn Young grounds out, shortstop Troy Tulowitzki to first baseman Todd Helton.

Inning 8

Away
Pitcher Change: Tyler Yates replaces Paul Maholm, batting 9th.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Seth Smith replaces Jorge De La Rosa.
Seth Smith singles on a ground ball to second baseman Freddy Sanchez.
Dexter Fowler singles on a bunt ground ball to catcher Robinzon Diaz. Seth Smith to 3rd.
Troy Tulowitzki flies into double play, left fielder Nyjer Morgan to second baseman Freddy Sanchez to shortstop Jack Wilson. Seth Smith doubled off 3rd.
Pitcher Change: John Grabow replaces Tyler Yates, batting 9th.
Todd Helton flies out to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.

Home
Pitcher Change: Alan Embree replaces Jorge De La Rosa, batting 9th.
Nyjer Morgan walks.
With Freddy Sanchez batting, Nyjer Morgan steals (10) 2nd base.
Freddy Sanchez grounds out, shortstop Troy Tulowitzki to first baseman Todd Helton.
Nate McLouth pops out to shortstop Troy Tulowitzki.
Alan Embree intentionally walks Craig Monroe.
Adam LaRoche flies out to left fielder Ryan Spilborghs.

Inning 9

Away
Pitcher Change: Matt Capps replaces John Grabow, batting 9th.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Ian Stewart replaces Garrett Atkins.
Ian Stewart hits a ground-rule double (4) on a fly ball to left field.
Brad Hawpe homers (6) on a fly ball to center field. Ian Stewart scores.
Ryan Spilborghs singles on a fly ball to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.
Chris Iannetta grounds out softly to pitcher Matt Capps. Ryan Spilborghs to 2nd.
Clint Barmes flies out to center fielder Nate McLouth.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Matt Murton replaces Alan Embree.
Matt Murton singles on a line drive to left fielder Nyjer Morgan. Ryan Spilborghs scores.
With Dexter Fowler batting, Matt Murton steals (1) 2nd base.
Dexter Fowler singles on a ground ball to first baseman Adam LaRoche. Matt Murton out at home, first baseman Adam LaRoche to third baseman Andy LaRoche to catcher Robinzon Diaz.

Home
Ian Stewart remains in the game as the third baseman.
Pitcher Change: Huston Street replaces Alan Embree, batting 9th.
Robinzon Diaz called out on strikes.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Ramon Vazquez replaces Andy LaRoche.
Ramon Vazquez strikes out swinging.
Jack Wilson strikes out swinging.

I didn’t get to see or hear much Pirate baseball this weekend because I was in State College, PA for the Blue/White game, Penn State Football’s annual spring scrimmage. The weekend is really more about tailgating and enjoying the outdoors, but a reminder that college football season is on its way isn’t a bad thing either.

The Pirates were in San Diego for a 3 game series this weekend. Despite a mess of injuries, the Bucs found a way to win 2 out of 3 games and claim their third consecutive series win. Nate McLouth didn’t play at all this weekend due to an injured right oblique. It doesn’t sound like this injury will require a trip to the DL, but the team decided to keep McLouth out for precautionary reasons. Jack Wilson was sent to the DL because of the injured left middle finger that has been bothering him over the past week. Brian Bixler was called up to replace Wilson, and Bixler will likely split time at shortstop with Ramon Vazquez. Finally, Craig Hansen was sent to the DL because of neck spasms. Evan Meek was called up to replace Hansen.

Game 16 – The series opened with a tough loss for the Bucs. Pittsburgh used every pitcher that they had available before losing 4-3 in 11 innings. Ian Snell only lasted 5 and 1/2 innings. The relievers pitched 5 scoreless innings until Matt Capps walked 2 in the 11th and former Pirate, Brian Giles hit a game winning double.

Game 17 – Zach Duke looked strong once again to claim his 3rd win of the season. The Bucs dominated the Padres from start to finish in this game and took home the 10-1 victory. Duke pitched 8 and 1/3 inning, giving up 6 hits and 1 ER. He got plenty of support from his own batters with Freddy Sanchez going 3-5, Craig Monroe going 3-5, Eric Hinske going 2-3, Andy LaRoche going 2-4, and Jason Jaramillo going 2-4.

Game 18 – Ross Ohlendorf out-pitched Jake Peavy, and Adam LaRoche hit 2 home runs to lead the Bucs to an 8-3 win over the Padres. Ohlendorf pitched 7 innings, giving up 5 hits and 3 ER. John Grabow finished up the final two innings. Andy LaRoche went 2-5 to extend his consecutive game hitting streak to 10. So much for that slow start!

The Pirates are now 11-7, and they have already seen strong pitching performances from all of their starters. It sure looks like Pitching Coach, Joe Kerrigan is doing a lot of the right things.

With this series win, the Pirates are now 4 games over .500. That hasn’t happened since 2002. Also, the Pirates are now assured of a winning record in the month of April. That’s happened just twice in the last 15 years.

One final note from the weekend. Dave Davidson was claimed off waivers by the Florida Marlins. Only time will tell if this means anything.

A 3 game series with the Milwaukee Brewers is next. Let’s hope that our injury depleted Pittsburgh Pirates can find a way to keep the wins coming.

Monday – Jeff Karstens @ Braden Looper – 8:05 P.M.
Tuesday – Paul Maholm @ Dave Bush – 8:05 P.M.
Wednesday – Ian Snell @ – Yovani Gallardo 1:05 P.M.

The Pirates officially won their first series of the season when they took 2 out of 3 games from the Atlanta Braves. The Pirates scored 3-0 and 10-0 shutouts from strong pitching performances by Paul Maholm and Ian Snell. Zach Duke started the 3rd game of the series. Things got off to a bad start and never improved much. The Braves took the final game 11-1.

Some quick notes:

Game 10
Another great start for Paul Maholm. 7IP 4H.
Jack Wilson sat this game out with a sore finger.
Delwyn Young made his first at-bat as a Pirate. He entered as a pinch hitter and fouled out to the catcher.

Game 11
Another great start for Ian Snell. 7IP 4H.
Jack Wilson sat out again.
Craig Monroe had a 6 RBI game.
Andy LaRoche is using a new batting stance, and he seems to be figuring things out, going 3-4 with an RBI

Game 12
Zach Duke didn’t have a great start. 6IP 12H 6R.
Jack Wilson got back into the starting lineup. He went 1-3.
The Pirates had 7 hits, but they could only score 1 meaningless run in the 9th.
Delwyn Young played 2 innings in LF. He struck out swinging in the 8th.