Pitch By Pitch

Johan Santana (LHP) (7-2, 1.77 ERA, 86 K) @ Zach Duke (LHP) (5-4, 2.75 ERA, 42 K)

7:05 P.M. EST @ PNC Park

Post Game Update

Tonight’s game was a nice pitchers’ duel, with Johan Santana facing Zach Duke. Jason Jaramillo hit his first career home run to get the Pirates on the board. Later, Freddy Sanchez singled, followed by back-to-back doubles by Nate McLouth and Andy LaRoche to give the Pirates the lead.

John Grabow and Matt Capps did a nice job of keeping Mets off the bases in the 8th and 9th innings.

Of interest, Nyjer Morgan was thrown out of the game for arguing a call at first base and throwing his batting helmet. Replay would later show that Morgan was indeed safe at first.

2 in a row against the Mets! Go Bucs!

Live Updates:

Inning 1

Away
Luis Castillo flies out to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.
Fernando Martinez grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
David Wright flies out to right fielder Brandon Moss.

Home
Nyjer Morgan grounds out, second baseman Luis Castillo to first baseman Fernando Tatis.
Freddy Sanchez flies out to right fielder Gary Sheffield.
Nate McLouth grounds out, second baseman Luis Castillo to first baseman Fernando Tatis.

Inning 2

Away
Gary Sheffield singles on a ground ball to shortstop Jack Wilson, deflected by second baseman Freddy Sanchez.
Fernando Tatis singles on a line drive to center fielder Nate McLouth. Gary Sheffield to 2nd.
Omir Santos grounds into double play, pitcher Zach Duke to shortstop Jack Wilson to first baseman Adam LaRoche. Gary Sheffield to 3rd. Fernando Tatis out at 2nd.
Ramon Martinez grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.

Home
Adam LaRoche strikes out swinging.
Andy LaRoche strikes out swinging.
Brandon Moss flies out to center fielder Jeremy Reed.

Inning 3

Away
Jeremy Reed singles on a bunt ground ball to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Johan Santana out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Zach Duke to second baseman Freddy Sanchez. Jeremy Reed to 2nd.
Luis Castillo singles on a line drive to center fielder Nate McLouth. Jeremy Reed out at home on the throw, center fielder Nate McLouth to catcher Jason Jaramillo. Luis Castillo to 2nd on the throw.
Fernando Martinez grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.

Home
Jason Jaramillo pops out to first baseman Fernando Tatis in foul territory.
Jack Wilson grounds out, second baseman Luis Castillo to first baseman Fernando Tatis.
Zach Duke called out on strikes.

Inning 4

Away
David Wright flies out to right fielder Brandon Moss.
Gary Sheffield grounds out, third baseman Andy LaRoche to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Fernando Tatis walks.
Omir Santos flies out to right fielder Brandon Moss.

Home
Nyjer Morgan lines out, third baseman David Wright to first baseman Fernando Tatis.
Freddy Sanchez doubles (19) on a fly ball to shortstop Ramon Martinez, deflected by left fielder Fernando Martinez.
Nate McLouth pops out to second baseman Luis Castillo.
Adam LaRoche walks.
Andy LaRoche grounds into a force out, third baseman David Wright to second baseman Luis Castillo. Adam LaRoche out at 2nd.

Inning 5

Away
Ramon Martinez singles on a line drive to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.
Jeremy Reed singles on a ground ball to left fielder Nyjer Morgan. Ramon Martinez to 2nd.
Johan Santana out on a sacrifice bunt, third baseman Andy LaRoche to second baseman Freddy Sanchez. Ramon Martinez to 3rd. Jeremy Reed to 2nd.
Luis Castillo out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Nate McLouth. Ramon Martinez scores.
Fernando Martinez grounds out, first baseman Adam LaRoche to pitcher Zach Duke.

Home
Defensive Substitution: Wilson Valdez replaces shortstop Ramon Martinez, batting 7th, playing shortstop.
Brandon Moss grounds out, shortstop Wilson Valdez to first baseman Fernando Tatis.
Jason Jaramillo homers (1) on a fly ball to left field.
Jack Wilson singles on a soft line drive to left fielder Fernando Martinez.
Zach Duke hits a sacrifice bunt. Fielding error by pitcher Johan Santana. Jack Wilson to 2nd. Zach Duke to 1st.
Nyjer Morgan grounds into double play, pitcher Johan Santana to shortstop Wilson Valdez to first baseman Fernando Tatis. Zach Duke out at 2nd.

Inning 6

Away
Defensive Substitution: Craig Monroe replaces left fielder Nyjer Morgan, batting 1st, playing left field.
Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Nyjer Morgan ejected by 1B umpire Tim McClelland.
David Wright lines out to shortstop Jack Wilson.
Gary Sheffield grounds out, third baseman Andy LaRoche to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Fernando Tatis pops out to first baseman Adam LaRoche in foul territory.

Home
Freddy Sanchez singles on a line drive to center fielder Jeremy Reed.
With Nate McLouth batting, wild pitch by Johan Santana, Freddy Sanchez to 2nd.
Nate McLouth doubles (7) on a line drive to right fielder Gary Sheffield. Freddy Sanchez scores.
Adam LaRoche doubles (17) on a line drive to right fielder Gary Sheffield. Nate McLouth scores.
Andy LaRoche lines out to second baseman Luis Castillo.
Brandon Moss singles on a ground ball to first baseman Fernando Tatis. Adam LaRoche to 3rd.
Jason Jaramillo grounds into double play, pitcher Johan Santana to shortstop Wilson Valdez to first baseman Fernando Tatis. Brandon Moss out at 2nd.

Inning 7

Away
Omir Santos grounds out, third baseman Andy LaRoche to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Wilson Valdez grounds out to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Jeremy Reed singles on a line drive to left fielder Craig Monroe.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Daniel Murphy replaces Johan Santana.
Daniel Murphy singles on a line drive to right fielder Brandon Moss. Jeremy Reed to 3rd.
“/>Luis Castillo grounds out, third baseman Andy LaRoche to first baseman Adam LaRoche.

Home
Pitcher Change: Sean Green replaces Johan Santana, batting 9th.
Jack Wilson grounds out, second baseman Luis Castillo to first baseman Fernando Tatis.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Ramon Vazquez replaces Zach Duke.
Ramon Vazquez grounds out, pitcher Sean Green to first baseman Fernando Tatis.
Craig Monroe grounds out, first baseman Fernando Tatis to pitcher Sean Green.

Inning 8

Away
Pitcher Change: John Grabow replaces Zach Duke, batting 9th.
Fernando Martinez grounds out to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
David Wright grounds out, third baseman Andy LaRoche to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Gary Sheffield pops out to second baseman Freddy Sanchez.

Home
Freddy Sanchez grounds out, second baseman Luis Castillo to first baseman Fernando Tatis.
Pitcher Change: Ken Takahashi replaces Sean Green, batting 9th.
Nate McLouth triples (1) on a line drive to right fielder Gary Sheffield.
Adam LaRoche grounds out to first baseman Fernando Tatis.
Pitcher Change: Brian Stokes replaces Ken Takahashi, batting 9th.
Andy LaRoche pops out to first baseman Fernando Tatis.

Inning 9

Away
Pitcher Change: Matt Capps replaces John Grabow, batting 9th.
Fernando Tatis grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Omir Santos pops out to catcher Jason Jaramillo in foul territory.
Wilson Valdez grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.

Paul Maholm (LHP) (3-1, 3.30 ERA, 32 K) @ Ryan Dempster (RHP) (3-3, 4.40 ERA, 49 K)

8:05 P.M. EST @ Wrigley Field

The Pirates stay in Chicago and move across town for 3 games against the Cubbies.

Happy Memorial Day!

Post Game Update
The Post Gazette reported today that the Pirates haven’t shown interest in extending the contracts of Adam LaRoche, John Grabow, or Jack Wilson past this season.

Ryan Doumit is progressing. He hopes to be back on the field sometime in June.

Matt Capps was hurt by a line drive to the elbow in the 9th inning. Hopefully he’s OK.

Freddy Sanchez went 6/6 tonight.

The Pirates have 24 hits in the last 2 games.

Live Updates:

Inning 1

Away
Nyjer Morgan strikes out swinging, catcher Geovany Soto to first baseman Micah Hoffpauir.
Freddy Sanchez doubles (17) on a line drive to center fielder Reed Johnson.
Nate McLouth pops out to third baseman Ryan Freel.
Adam LaRoche singles on a line drive to left fielder Alfonso Soriano. Freddy Sanchez scores.
Brandon Moss called out on strikes.

Home
Alfonso Soriano walks.
Ryan Theriot doubles (9) on a ground ball to left fielder Nyjer Morgan, deflected by third baseman Andy LaRoche. Alfonso Soriano scores.
Milton Bradley grounds out, shortstop Jack Wilson to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Reed Johnson reaches on a fielder’s choice out, shortstop Jack Wilson to third baseman Andy LaRoche. Ryan Theriot out at 3rd.
Geovany Soto walks. Reed Johnson to 2nd.
Micah Hoffpauir lines out to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.

Inning 2

Away
Andy LaRoche grounds out, pitcher Ryan Dempster to first baseman Micah Hoffpauir.
Jason Jaramillo singles on a sharp ground ball to center fielder Reed Johnson.
Jack Wilson grounds into double play, third baseman Ryan Freel to second baseman Aaron Miles to first baseman Micah Hoffpauir. Jason Jaramillo out at 2nd.

Home
Ryan Freel pops out to shortstop Jack Wilson.
Aaron Miles grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Ryan Dempster strikes out swinging.

Inning 3

Away
Paul Maholm grounds out, third baseman Ryan Freel to first baseman Micah Hoffpauir.
Nyjer Morgan walks.
Freddy Sanchez singles on a line drive to right fielder Milton Bradley. Nyjer Morgan to 3rd.
With Nate McLouth batting, wild pitch by Ryan Dempster, Freddy Sanchez to 2nd.
Nate McLouth hit by pitch.
Adam LaRoche walks. Nyjer Morgan scores. Freddy Sanchez to 3rd. Nate McLouth to 2nd.
Brandon Moss walks. Freddy Sanchez scores. Nate McLouth to 3rd. Adam LaRoche to 2nd.
Andy LaRoche grounds into double play, pitcher Ryan Dempster to catcher Geovany Soto to first baseman Micah Hoffpauir. Nate McLouth out at home.

Home
Alfonso Soriano walks.
Ryan Theriot doubles (10) on a fly ball to left fielder Nyjer Morgan. Alfonso Soriano to 3rd.
Milton Bradley doubles (3) on a line drive to left fielder Nyjer Morgan. Alfonso Soriano scores. Ryan Theriot scores.
Reed Johnson flies out to right fielder Brandon Moss. Milton Bradley to 3rd.
Geovany Soto singles on a line drive to center fielder Nate McLouth. Milton Bradley scores.
Micah Hoffpauir grounds out softly, pitcher Paul Maholm to first baseman Adam LaRoche. Geovany Soto to 2nd.
Ryan Freel lines out to third baseman Andy LaRoche.

Inning 4

Away
Jason Jaramillo doubles (8) on a fly ball to center fielder Reed Johnson.
With Jack Wilson batting, throwing error by Ryan Dempster on the pickoff attempt, Jason Jaramillo to 3rd.
Jack Wilson singles on a pop up to second baseman Aaron Miles. Jason Jaramillo scores.
Paul Maholm out on a sacrifice bunt, catcher Geovany Soto to second baseman Aaron Miles. Jack Wilson to 2nd.
Nyjer Morgan flies out to center fielder Reed Johnson.
Freddy Sanchez homers (4) on a fly ball to left center field. Jack Wilson scores.
Nate McLouth strikes out swinging.

Home
Aaron Miles strikes out swinging. Wild pitch by pitcher Paul Maholm. Aaron Miles to 1st.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Bobby Scales replaces Ryan Dempster.
Bobby Scales flies out to right fielder Brandon Moss.
Alfonso Soriano grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche. Aaron Miles to 2nd.
Ryan Theriot doubles (11) on a fly ball to left fielder Nyjer Morgan. Aaron Miles scores.
Milton Bradley homers (5) on a fly ball to left center field. Ryan Theriot scores.
Reed Johnson singles on a line drive to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.
Geovany Soto flies out to center fielder Nate McLouth.

Inning 5

Away
Pitcher Change: Jose Ascanio replaces Ryan Dempster, batting 9th.
Adam LaRoche grounds out sharply, second baseman Aaron Miles to first baseman Micah Hoffpauir.
Brandon Moss singles on a line drive to left fielder Alfonso Soriano.
Andy LaRoche singles on a ground ball to right fielder Milton Bradley. Brandon Moss to 2nd.
Jason Jaramillo singles on a line drive to right fielder Milton Bradley. Brandon Moss to 3rd. Andy LaRoche to 2nd.
Jack Wilson pops out to first baseman Micah Hoffpauir on the infield fly rule.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Craig Monroe replaces Paul Maholm.
Craig Monroe flies out to center fielder Reed Johnson.

Home
Pitcher Change: Tom Gorzelanny replaces Paul Maholm, batting 9th.
Micah Hoffpauir walks.
Chicago Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly ejected by HP umpire Bob Davidson.
Ryan Freel out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Tom Gorzelanny to second baseman Freddy Sanchez. Micah Hoffpauir to 2nd.
Aaron Miles strikes out swinging, catcher Jason Jaramillo to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Jose Ascanio pops out to shortstop Jack Wilson.

Inning 6

Away
Pitcher Change: Neal Cotts replaces Jose Ascanio, batting 9th.
Nyjer Morgan called out on strikes.
Freddy Sanchez singles on a ground ball to center fielder Reed Johnson.
Nate McLouth homers (8) on a fly ball to right center field. Freddy Sanchez scores.
Adam LaRoche doubles (14) on a line drive to center fielder Reed Johnson.
Brandon Moss grounds out, shortstop Ryan Theriot to first baseman Micah Hoffpauir. Adam LaRoche to 3rd.
Andy LaRoche doubles (11) on a fly ball to right fielder Milton Bradley. Adam LaRoche scores.
Jason Jaramillo grounds out, second baseman Aaron Miles to first baseman Micah Hoffpauir.

Home
Alfonso Soriano strikes out swinging.
Ryan Theriot grounds out, third baseman Andy LaRoche to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Milton Bradley grounds out, shortstop Jack Wilson to first baseman Adam LaRoche.

Inning 7

Away
Pitcher Change: Aaron Heilman replaces Neal Cotts, batting 9th.
Jack Wilson grounds out, shortstop Ryan Theriot to first baseman Micah Hoffpauir.
Tom Gorzelanny grounds out, shortstop Ryan Theriot to first baseman Micah Hoffpauir.
Nyjer Morgan triples (4) on a fly ball to right fielder Milton Bradley.
Freddy Sanchez singles on a ground ball to shortstop Ryan Theriot. Nyjer Morgan scores.
With Nate McLouth batting, Freddy Sanchez steals (4) 2nd base.
Nate McLouth walks.
Adam LaRoche reaches on a fielder’s choice, fielded by third baseman Ryan Freel. Freddy Sanchez to 3rd. Nate McLouth to 2nd.
Brandon Moss flies out to left fielder Alfonso Soriano.

Home
Reed Johnson walks.
Pitcher Change: Evan Meek replaces Tom Gorzelanny, batting 9th.
Geovany Soto walks. Reed Johnson to 2nd.
Micah Hoffpauir grounds into double play, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to shortstop Jack Wilson to first baseman Adam LaRoche. Reed Johnson to 3rd. Geovany Soto out at 2nd.
Ryan Freel singles on a ground ball to center fielder Nate McLouth, deflected by pitcher Evan Meek. Reed Johnson scores.
Aaron Miles singles on a ground ball to left fielder Nyjer Morgan. Ryan Freel to 2nd.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Carlos Zambrano replaces Aaron Heilman.
Pitcher Change: Jesse Chavez replaces Evan Meek, batting 9th.
Carlos Zambrano strikes out swinging.

Inning 8

Away
Pitcher Change: David Patton replaces Aaron Heilman, batting 9th.
Andy LaRoche singles on a fly ball to center fielder Reed Johnson.
Jason Jaramillo strikes out swinging.
Jack Wilson grounds out, shortstop Ryan Theriot to first baseman Micah Hoffpauir. Andy LaRoche to 2nd.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Delwyn Young replaces Jesse Chavez.
Delwyn Young walks.
Nyjer Morgan flies out to left fielder Alfonso Soriano.

Home
Pitcher Change: John Grabow replaces Jesse Chavez, batting 9th.
Alfonso Soriano flies out to right fielder Brandon Moss.
Ryan Theriot pops out to second baseman Freddy Sanchez.
Milton Bradley grounds out, shortstop Jack Wilson to first baseman Adam LaRoche.

Inning 9

Away
Freddy Sanchez singles on a line drive to right fielder Milton Bradley.
Nate McLouth flies out to left fielder Alfonso Soriano.
Adam LaRoche grounds out to first baseman Micah Hoffpauir. Freddy Sanchez to 2nd.
Brandon Moss grounds out softly, shortstop Ryan Theriot to first baseman Micah Hoffpauir.

Home
Pitcher Change: Matt Capps replaces John Grabow, batting 9th.
Reed Johnson flies out to center fielder Nate McLouth.
Geovany Soto singles on a line drive to third baseman Andy LaRoche, deflected by pitcher Matt Capps.
Pitcher Change: Sean Burnett replaces Matt Capps, batting 9th.
Micah Hoffpauir strikes out on foul tip.
Ryan Freel walks. Geovany Soto to 2nd.
Aaron Miles grounds into a force out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to shortstop Jack Wilson. Ryan Freel out at 2nd.

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 really thought today was going to be the day. Coming into the game, we had lost 7 in a row and 11 of the last 12. I thought we had a favorable pitching matchup (Ian Snell @ Livan Hernandez). We were swinging pink bats on Mother’s Day. We even got a 2-0 after 3 innings.

In the first inning, Nyjer Morgan singled and stole 2nd. A Delwyn Young single and a Nate McLouth sac fly brought him in. In the second inning, McLouth doubled and a Robinzon Diaz single brought him in.

Not surprisingly, it fell apart.

The Mets put some hits together in the bottom of the 4th to score 3 runs. Ian Snell left the game after 6 innings with the Pirates trailing 3-2. Sean Burnett came in and a Brian Bixler error at shortstop allowed the 7th inning to go longer than it should have and the Mets added another. John Grabow came in for the 8th inning and gave up 3 more runs.

Nate McLouth added an after-the-fact 2 run homer in the 9th.

Final Score: Mets 8, Pirates 4

We know we won’t lose tomorrow. Thankfully, the Bucs have the day off.

Jack Wilson played a AAA game on Saturday. He went 1 for 3 with an RBI double, and he started a double play for the Indianapolis Indians. He should be back in the starting lineup for Tuesday’s game against the Cardinals. It’s a good thing because we need him in the lineup badly. This season, Brian Bixler has had 25 at bats and 18 strikeouts. He’s committed 2 errors in 8 games.

Brian Bixler - The Indianapolis Indians should get their SS back tomorrow.

Within the same 15 minutes last night, I watched the Penguins fall to the Washington Capitals 3-2 to go down 2-0 in their NHL playoff series, and I listened to the Pirates blow an 8th inning and a 9th inning lead to lose their 16th straight game to the Milwaukee Brewers. sigh.

I know it’s unrealistic to expect the Pirates’ team to make a playoff run, and it’s probably even unrealistic to consider a .500 season, but losses like this really sting.

Paul Maholm made a strong start, giving the team a chance to win. He pitched 7 1/3 innings, gave up just six hits, struck out 7, and left with a 3-1 lead. Tyler Yates then got a 2nd out. John Grabow came in to replace Yates, and it was all downhill from there. Yates gave up a single and walk to load the bases, and then f@#$ing Ryan Braun hit a pinch hit double (for Chris Duffy) to tie the game.

Some clutch hitting in the bottom of the 8th by Jason Jaramillo put the Bucs back on top 4-3. Matt Capps came in for the 9th inning and gave up 2 singles and a walk to load the bases. A J.J. Hardy sacrifice fly and a Rickie Weeks home run put the game out of reach.

This is the 2nd consecutive game where Capps has looked bad. After seeing Saturday night’s disaster relief effort against the Reds this showing didn’t surprise me a great deal, but it’s still extremely disappointing.

On the positive side, Nate McLouth had another nice night, going 3-5 with an RBI, and I felt good with Jaramillo’s night.

We should have won this game. I guess the Brewers really do own us. I can’t wait to see what happens tonight.

Come On, Mad Capper, Let's Get it Together

This game was not pretty and not a fun one to listen to, but despite it all, the Pirates still found themselves with a chance to win late in the game.

The Bucs scored 2 runs in the top half of the first inning thanks to four consecutive singles from the top of our order, followed by a J.J. Hardy error. Jeff Karstens looked bad in his 5 innings of work, and he served up the Brewer hitters early and often. He gave up 5 runs on 3 homers in the first three innings.

Jesse Chavez and Evan Meek each pitched a scoreless inning, and the Pirate bats fought for 2 runs in the top of the eighth to tie the score at 5-5.

Then, the bullpen collapsed.

Coming into tonight, John Grabow was 1-0, pitching 10 innings for 8H, 0R, 0ER, 3 BB, and 10K. Tonight, he pitched 1/3 of an inning for 2H, 2R, 2ER, 2BB, 0K.

Tyler Yates’ struggles continued last night. He pitched 1/3 of an inning for 0H, 3R, 3ER, 1BB, and 0K. His ERA for the season is up to 9.95.

Sean Burnett entered to get the final out of the 8th, but it was too little, too late. The damage was done.

Brian Bixler played shortstop in place of the injured Jack Wilson. He went 0-4 with 4K.

Positives from tonight: Adam LaRoche, Nyjer Morgan, and Freddy Sanchez continue their hot hitting. Andy LaRoche has an 11 game hit streak.

The Pirates have now lost 16 consecutive games at Miller Park! That’s just ridiculous, and it needs to end tonight.

Paul Maholm @ Dave Bush – 8:05

Miller Park: Not a Friendly Place