Pitch By Pitch

Pirates are looking for a sweep tonight!

Mitchell Boggs (RHP) (1-0, 3.50 ERA, 19 K) @ Jeff Karstens (RHP) (1-1, 5.19 ERA, 12 K)

7:05 P.M. EST @ PNC Park

Postgame Update:
No need for brooms. This game was all about missed opportunities for the Pirates. In the 1st, 3rd, and 5th innings, Nyjer Morgan and Freddy Sanchez both got on base (1st and 3rd with no outs, 5th with 1 out), and Nate McLouth couldn’t help more than a walk in the 5th, and those on-base efforts led to no runs. In the 4th inning, the Pirates got four consecutive hits, but they led to just one run because of a baserunning error by Robinzon Diaz.

The Pirates outhit the Cardinals 12-10, but the Bucs left 10 men on base. Final score: Cardinals 5 – Pirates 1.

Live Updates:

Inning 1

Away
Skip Schumaker reaches on fielding error by first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Shane Robinson grounds into double play, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to shortstop Jack Wilson to first baseman Adam LaRoche. Skip Schumaker out at 2nd.
Albert Pujols grounds out, third baseman Eric Hinske to first baseman Adam LaRoche.

Home
Nyjer Morgan walks.
Freddy Sanchez singles on a soft line drive to center fielder Colby Rasmus. Nyjer Morgan to 2nd.
Nate McLouth pops out to shortstop Tyler Greene.
Adam LaRoche strikes out swinging.
Robinzon Diaz grounds out, third baseman Joe Thurston to first baseman Albert Pujols.

Inning 2

Away
Chris Duncan strikes out swinging.
Yadier Molina singles on a ground ball to right fielder Brandon Moss.
Colby Rasmus homers (2) on a fly ball to right field. Yadier Molina scores.
Tyler Greene singles on a line drive to right fielder Brandon Moss.
Joe Thurston pops out to catcher Robinzon Diaz in foul territory.
Mitchell Boggs strikes out swinging.

Home
Eric Hinske flies out to center fielder Colby Rasmus.
Brandon Moss flies out to left fielder Chris Duncan.
Jack Wilson pops out to catcher Yadier Molina in foul territory.

Inning 3

Away
Skip Schumaker singles on a ground ball to center fielder Nate McLouth.
Shane Robinson grounds out, third baseman Eric Hinske to first baseman Adam LaRoche. Skip Schumaker to 2nd.
Albert Pujols flies out to center fielder Nate McLouth.
Chris Duncan flies out to center fielder Nate McLouth.

Home
Jeff Karstens pops out to first baseman Albert Pujols.
Nyjer Morgan singles on a ground ball to right fielder Shane Robinson.
Freddy Sanchez singles on a ground ball to left fielder Chris Duncan. Nyjer Morgan to 2nd.
Nate McLouth grounds into double play, first baseman Albert Pujols to shortstop Tyler Greene to first baseman Albert Pujols. Freddy Sanchez out at 2nd.

Inning 4

Away
Yadier Molina grounds out, shortstop Jack Wilson to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Colby Rasmus flies out to center fielder Nate McLouth.
Tyler Greene singles on a bunt ground ball to catcher Robinzon Diaz.
With Joe Thurston batting, Tyler Greene steals (2) 2nd base.
Joe Thurston flies out to right fielder Brandon Moss.

Home
Adam LaRoche triples (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Shane Robinson.
Robinzon Diaz singles on a line drive to right fielder Shane Robinson. Adam LaRoche scores.
Eric Hinske singles on a ground ball to second baseman Skip Schumaker, deflected by first baseman Albert Pujols. Robinzon Diaz out at 3rd, first baseman Albert Pujols to second baseman Skip Schumaker to third baseman Joe Thurston.
Brandon Moss singles on a ground ball to right fielder Shane Robinson. Eric Hinske to 3rd.
Jack Wilson grounds into double play, third baseman Joe Thurston to second baseman Skip Schumaker to first baseman Albert Pujols. Brandon Moss out at 2nd.

Inning 5

Away
Mitchell Boggs doubles (1) on a fly ball to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.
Skip Schumaker singles on a ground ball to center fielder Nate McLouth. Mitchell Boggs to 3rd.
Shane Robinson out on a sacrifice fly to left fielder Nyjer Morgan. Mitchell Boggs scores.
Albert Pujols grounds into double play, shortstop Jack Wilson to second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche. Skip Schumaker out at 2nd.

Home
Jeff Karstens grounds out, pitcher Mitchell Boggs to first baseman Albert Pujols.
Nyjer Morgan singles on a line drive to center fielder Colby Rasmus.
Freddy Sanchez singles on a line drive to second baseman Skip Schumaker, deflected by shortstop Tyler Greene. Nyjer Morgan to 2nd.
With Nate McLouth batting, Nyjer Morgan advances to 3rd on a balk. Freddy Sanchez advances to 2nd on a balk.
Nate McLouth walks.
Pitcher Change: Trever Miller replaces Mitchell Boggs, batting 9th.
Adam LaRoche pops out to third baseman Joe Thurston in foul territory.
Robinzon Diaz flies out to center fielder Colby Rasmus.

Inning 6

Away
Chris Duncan grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Yadier Molina flies out to right fielder Brandon Moss.
Colby Rasmus grounds out to first baseman Adam LaRoche.

Home
Eric Hinske singles on a bunt ground ball to third baseman Joe Thurston.
Brandon Moss strikes out swinging.
Pitcher Change: Kyle McClellan replaces Trever Miller, batting 9th.
Jack Wilson pops out to second baseman Skip Schumaker.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Delwyn Young replaces Jeff Karstens.
Delwyn Young strikes out swinging.

Inning 7

Away
Pitcher Change: Evan Meek replaces Jeff Karstens, batting 9th.
Tyler Greene flies out to right fielder Brandon Moss.
Joe Thurston strikes out swinging, catcher Robinzon Diaz to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Kyle McClellan strikes out swinging.

Home
Nyjer Morgan walks.
Freddy Sanchez grounds into double play, pitcher Kyle McClellan to second baseman Skip Schumaker to first baseman Albert Pujols. Nyjer Morgan out at 2nd.
Pitcher Change: Dennys Reyes replaces Kyle McClellan, batting 9th.
Nate McLouth singles on a line drive to right fielder Shane Robinson.
Adam LaRoche strikes out swinging.

Inning 8

Away
Skip Schumaker singles on a ground ball to shortstop Jack Wilson.
Shane Robinson singles on a soft line drive to right fielder Brandon Moss. Skip Schumaker to 2nd.
With Albert Pujols batting, wild pitch by Evan Meek, Skip Schumaker to 3rd. Shane Robinson to 2nd.
Albert Pujols singles on a ground ball to center fielder Nate McLouth. Skip Schumaker scores. Shane Robinson scores.
Pitcher Change: Sean Burnett replaces Evan Meek, batting 9th.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Brian Barden replaces Chris Duncan.
With Brian Barden batting, Albert Pujols steals (6) 2nd base.
Brian Barden strikes out swinging.
Sean Burnett intentionally walks Yadier Molina.
Colby Rasmus lines into double play, right fielder Brandon Moss to shortstop Jack Wilson. Albert Pujols doubled off 2nd.

Home
Defensive switch from second base to right field for Skip Schumaker.
Defensive switch from right field to left field for Shane Robinson.
Brian Barden remains in the game as the third baseman.
Defensive switch from third base to second base for Joe Thurston.
Robinzon Diaz flies out to center fielder Colby Rasmus.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Andy LaRoche replaces Eric Hinske.
Andy LaRoche strikes out swinging.
Brandon Moss doubles (4) on a fly ball to right fielder Skip Schumaker.
Pitcher Change: Chris Perez replaces Dennys Reyes, batting 9th.
Jack Wilson flies out to center fielder Colby Rasmus.

Inning 9

Away
Andy LaRoche remains in the game as the third baseman.
Pitcher Change: Jesse Chavez replaces Sean Burnett, batting 9th.
Tyler Greene flies out to right fielder Brandon Moss.
Joe Thurston grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Nick Stavinoha replaces Chris Perez.
Nick Stavinoha flies out to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.

Home
Pitcher Change: Ryan Franklin replaces Chris Perez, batting 9th.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Ramon Vazquez replaces Jesse Chavez.
Ramon Vazquez grounds out, second baseman Joe Thurston to first baseman Albert Pujols.
Nyjer Morgan grounds out, first baseman Albert Pujols to pitcher Ryan Franklin.
Freddy Sanchez grounds out, first baseman Albert Pujols to pitcher Ryan Franklin.

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.

Delwyn Young... until I can find a picture of him in a Pirates' uniform

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.