Charlie Morton (RHP) (0-1, 4.09 ERA, 7 K) @ Chris Volstad (RHP) (5-7, 4.63 ERA, 70 K)
6:10 P.M. EST @ Land Shark Stadium
Post Game Updates
Two rain delays couldn’t keep Charlie Morton from his first Pirate victory. He allowed just 1 hit and struck out 4 in six innings of work. Pirate home runs came from unlikely sources: Brandon Moss and Ramon Vazquez. McCutchen went 2-5 with an RBI and Jack Wilson went 1-5 with 2 RBIs.
Tim Redding (RHP) (1-3, 6.35 ERA, 30 K) @ Paul Maholm (LHP) (5-4, 4.35 ERA, 63 K)
12:35 P.M. EST @ PNC Park
Post Game Updates
Technically, the Pirates were going for a 4 game sweep against the New York Mets today (make up game). It was back and forth all day, and the Pirates lost a heartbreaker. After leading 5-0 after 3 innings, the Bucs allowed the Mets back into the game, and the Mets led 8-5 after 6. Down 8-6 in the bottom of the ninth, Freddy Sanchez singled and Adam LaRoche homered to the game as the PNC Park crowd exploded. With 2 outs in the bottom of the ninth, Robinzon Diaz and Ramon Vazquez singled, but Brandon Moss couldn’t knock in the game winner.
Matt Capps entered in the top of the 10th, and allowed a 2-out hit-by-pitch, stolen base, and single to give up the lead.
The Pirates’ top of the order couldn’t produce anything in the bottom of the 10th.
Today was the first time we’ve seen Jeff Salazar in a Pirates’ uniform. He was recalled after the Morgan/Hinske trades. He entered as a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the 6th, and he flew out to right.
Mike Pelfrey (RHP) (4-1, 3.88 ERA, 23 K) @ Ross Ohlendorf (RHP) (5-5, 4.45 ERA, 32 K)
12:35 P.M. EST @ PNC Park
Post Game Update
Since today’s game was at 12:35, and the Penguins played at 8:00, I decided to take the day off and spend the day in Pittsburgh. Lucky for me, I got to see Andrew McCutchen’s MLB debut, and he looked good! McCutchen batted in the leadoff spot, and Nyjer Morgan batted second, essentially giving the Pirates two leadoff hitters. The two leadoff 4 of the 8 innings this afternoon. McCutchen was 2-4 with a walk and 3 runs. Nyjer was 2-4 with a run. Ramon Vazquez was playing SS today because Jack Wilson was out with the stomach flu. Vazquez was impressive, going 4-4 with 4 singles and a run.
Ross Ohlendorf didn’t look sharp, only going 4.1 innings, while giving up 9 hits and 5 runs. Tom Gorzelanny looked good as he came in to finish off the 5th. Steven Jackson gave 2 innings of excellent relief effort.
Today was a fun game to watch. Even with McLouth gone, we looked like a good baseball team. I love McCutchen and Morgan batting 1-2 (although I was expecting to see Morgan-McCutchen). We’re only 3 games under .500 with a series at Houston. Hopefully we can win this one!
Go Bucs!
–
Following the game, Carlos Beltran had this to say about the Pirates’ series: “The reality of this is coming here to Pittsburgh and getting swept, me, I feel embarrassed. I mean, we have to take this personally. It can’t happen. It can’t happen, us being able to come here and lose three games just like that. Three games to this team. I know they’re a big-league ball club, but we’re better than them.”
Live Updates:
Inning 1
Away
Alex Cora pops out to shortstop Ramon Vazquez.
Luis Castillo grounds out, shortstop Ramon Vazquez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Carlos Beltran doubles (16) on a fly ball to center fielder Andrew McCutchen.
Gary Sheffield called out on strikes.
Home
Andrew McCutchen singles on a ground ball to center fielder Carlos Beltran.
Nyjer Morgan singles on a ground ball to right fielder Gary Sheffield. Andrew McCutchen to 3rd.
Freddy Sanchez grounds out to first baseman Daniel Murphy. Nyjer Morgan to 2nd.
Mike Pelfrey intentionally walks Adam LaRoche.
Andy LaRoche singles on a line drive to left fielder Fernando Martinez. Andrew McCutchen scores. Nyjer Morgan scores. Adam LaRoche to 2nd.
Brandon Moss singles on a ground ball to second baseman Luis Castillo, deflected by pitcher Mike Pelfrey. Adam LaRoche to 3rd. Andy LaRoche to 2nd.
Jason Jaramillo singles on a line drive to left fielder Fernando Martinez. Adam LaRoche scores. Andy LaRoche scores. Brandon Moss to 2nd.
Ramon Vazquez singles on a fly ball to left fielder Fernando Martinez. Brandon Moss to 3rd. Jason Jaramillo to 2nd.
Ross Ohlendorf grounds into double play, pitcher Mike Pelfrey to catcher Omir Santos to first baseman Daniel Murphy. Brandon Moss out at home.
Inning 2
Away
David Wright walks.
With Daniel Murphy batting, David Wright steals (13) 2nd base.
Daniel Murphy singles on a ground ball to center fielder Andrew McCutchen. David Wright scores.
Fernando Martinez singles on a ground ball to right fielder Brandon Moss. Daniel Murphy to 3rd.
Omir Santos reaches on a fielder’s choice out, third baseman Andy LaRoche to catcher Jason Jaramillo. Daniel Murphy out at home. Fernando Martinez to 2nd.
Mike Pelfrey ground bunts into a force out, first baseman Adam LaRoche to shortstop Ramon Vazquez. Fernando Martinez to 3rd. Omir Santos out at 2nd. Mike Pelfrey to 1st.
Alex Cora doubles (5) on a line drive to right fielder Brandon Moss. Fernando Martinez scores. Mike Pelfrey to 3rd.
Luis Castillo singles on a ground ball to shortstop Ramon Vazquez. Mike Pelfrey scores. Alex Cora to 3rd.
Carlos Beltran walks. Luis Castillo to 2nd.
Gary Sheffield grounds out, pitcher Ross Ohlendorf to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Home
Andrew McCutchen flies out to center fielder Carlos Beltran.
Nyjer Morgan reaches on fielding error by first baseman Daniel Murphy. Nyjer Morgan to 3rd.
Freddy Sanchez strikes out swinging.
Adam LaRoche doubles (18) on a fly ball to left fielder Fernando Martinez. Nyjer Morgan scores.
Andy LaRoche grounds out, first baseman Daniel Murphy to pitcher Mike Pelfrey.
Inning 3
Away
David Wright walks.
Daniel Murphy flies out to right fielder Brandon Moss.
Fernando Martinez flies out to right fielder Brandon Moss.
Omir Santos singles on a line drive to center fielder Andrew McCutchen. David Wright to 2nd.
Mike Pelfrey grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Home
Brandon Moss strikes out swinging.
Jason Jaramillo grounds out, shortstop Alex Cora to first baseman Daniel Murphy.
Ramon Vazquez singles on a soft line drive to left fielder Fernando Martinez.
Ross Ohlendorf strikes out swinging.
Inning 4
Away
Alex Cora pops out to third baseman Andy LaRoche in foul territory.
Luis Castillo grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Carlos Beltran homers (7) on a fly ball to right center field.
Gary Sheffield grounds out, third baseman Andy LaRoche to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Home
Andrew McCutchen walks.
Nyjer Morgan out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Mike Pelfrey to first baseman Daniel Murphy. Andrew McCutchen to 2nd.
Freddy Sanchez grounds out, second baseman Luis Castillo to first baseman Daniel Murphy. Andrew McCutchen to 3rd.
Adam LaRoche walks.
Andy LaRoche hit by pitch. Adam LaRoche to 2nd.
Brandon Moss walks. Andrew McCutchen scores. Adam LaRoche to 3rd. Andy LaRoche to 2nd.
Jason Jaramillo singles on a line drive to left fielder Fernando Martinez. Adam LaRoche scores. Andy LaRoche scores. Brandon Moss to 2nd.
Pitcher Change: Ken Takahashi replaces Mike Pelfrey, batting 9th.
Ramon Vazquez singles on a line drive to right fielder Gary Sheffield. Brandon Moss scores. Jason Jaramillo to 2nd.
Ross Ohlendorf strikes out swinging.
Inning 5
Away
David Wright singles on a line drive to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.
Daniel Murphy pops out to shortstop Ramon Vazquez.
Fernando Martinez doubles (3) on a line drive to center fielder Andrew McCutchen. David Wright scores.
Pitcher Change: Tom Gorzelanny replaces Ross Ohlendorf, batting 9th.
Omir Santos grounds out, pitcher Tom Gorzelanny to first baseman Adam LaRoche. Fernando Martinez to 3rd.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Emil Brown replaces Ken Takahashi.
Emil Brown grounds out, pitcher Tom Gorzelanny to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Home
Pitcher Change: Sean Green replaces Ken Takahashi, batting 9th.
Andrew McCutchen grounds out, shortstop Alex Cora to first baseman Daniel Murphy.
Nyjer Morgan grounds out, pitcher Sean Green to first baseman Daniel Murphy.
Freddy Sanchez flies out to center fielder Carlos Beltran.
Inning 6
Away
Pitcher Change: Sean Burnett replaces Tom Gorzelanny, batting 9th.
Alex Cora grounds out to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Luis Castillo lines out to right fielder Brandon Moss.
Carlos Beltran strikes out swinging.
Home
Adam LaRoche flies out to left fielder Fernando Martinez.
Andy LaRoche strikes out swinging.
Brandon Moss grounds out to first baseman Daniel Murphy.
Inning 7
Away
Pitcher Change: Steven Jackson replaces Sean Burnett, batting 5th, replacing third baseman Andy LaRoche.
Defensive Substitution: Eric Hinske replaces pitcher Sean Burnett, batting 9th, playing third base.
Gary Sheffield grounds out, shortstop Ramon Vazquez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
David Wright grounds out, shortstop Ramon Vazquez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Daniel Murphy walks.
Fernando Martinez grounds into a force out, first baseman Adam LaRoche to shortstop Ramon Vazquez. Daniel Murphy out at 2nd.
Home
Pitcher Change: J. Putz replaces Sean Green, batting 9th.
Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Andy LaRoche left the game due to an injured knee.
Jason Jaramillo grounds out, third baseman David Wright to first baseman Daniel Murphy.
Ramon Vazquez singles on a ground ball to left fielder Fernando Martinez.
With Eric Hinske batting, Ramon Vazquez steals (1) 2nd base.
Eric Hinske pops out to first baseman Daniel Murphy.
Andrew McCutchen singles on a line drive to right fielder Gary Sheffield. Ramon Vazquez scores.
With Nyjer Morgan batting, Andrew McCutchen steals (1) 2nd base.
Nyjer Morgan triples (5) on a fly ball to right fielder Gary Sheffield. Andrew McCutchen scores.
Freddy Sanchez lines out to center fielder Carlos Beltran.
Inning 8
Away
Omir Santos flies out to center fielder Andrew McCutchen.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Jeremy Reed replaces J. Putz.
Jeremy Reed grounds out, first baseman Adam LaRoche to pitcher Steven Jackson.
Alex Cora flies out to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.
Home
Pitcher Change: Pedro Feliciano replaces J. Putz, batting 9th.
Adam LaRoche flies out to center fielder Carlos Beltran.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Craig Monroe replaces Steven Jackson.
Craig Monroe strikes out swinging.
Brandon Moss grounds out to pitcher Pedro Feliciano.
Inning 9
Away
Pitcher Change: Jesse Chavez replaces Steven Jackson, batting 5th, replacing Craig Monroe.
Luis Castillo walks.
With Carlos Beltran batting, wild pitch by Jesse Chavez, Luis Castillo to 2nd.
Carlos Beltran grounds out, shortstop Ramon Vazquez to first baseman Adam LaRoche. Luis Castillo to 3rd.
Gary Sheffield pops out to first baseman Adam LaRoche in foul territory.
David Wright doubles (13) on a fly ball to right fielder Brandon Moss. Luis Castillo scores.
Daniel Murphy flies out to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.
It’s not like the Pirates deserved a 5-1 lead midway through last night’s game, and so it wasn’t entirely surprising when it disappeared. Two runs scored after a Brewer error helped to keep the 3rd inning alive. Two runs came in the 5th on a Jason Jaramillo double immediately after Eric Hinske and Andy LaRoche were hit by pitches.
Paul Maholm didn’t have the same command that he had in his 3 wins this season. He walked 5 batters and gave up 7 hits over his 5.1 innings of work.
Walks have been a problem in the last two games against the Brewers. Pirate pitchers have given up 17 walks in 16 innings (1.06 BB/Inn). Prior to this series, Pirate pitchers had given up 65 walks in 158 innings (0.41 BB/Inn). The Brewers walked just one batter last night.
Another subplot for this series has been the beaned batters. Things started to get ugly in the series opening game on Monday when Jeff Karstens seemingly intentionally hit Ryan Braun (who homered in his first at-bat of the game) to start the 3rd inning. Braun was quite upset by the pitch, and John Hirschbeck warned both benches. Later in the game, Jason Kendall was hit by Jesse Chavez in the 6th and by Evan Meek in the 8th, but no ejections were made. After the game, Ryan Braun had this to say:
Asked if Karstens drilled him intentionally, Braun said, “Probably, yeah. It’s rare for major-league pitchers to miss by that much with a fastball.”
Then, issuing a not-so-wise warning to the commissioner’s office, Braun added, “We play them about 17 more times (actually 13). Tell Mr. Selig, we’ll see what happens. It’s going to be interesting.”
Last night, Brewers’ starter Dave Bush hit three Pirate batters (Freddy Sanchez in the 1st and Eric Hinske and Andy LaRoche in the 5th).
There’s something to keep an eye on in the next 13 Brewers/Pirates matchups.
The Pirates managed 7 hits last night, and they came from an unlikely crew: the RBI double by Jaramillo, Brian Bixler avenged his 4K night by going 2-4, Ramon Vazquez singled in his only at-bat, Eric Hinske had a 2 RBI double, and Brandon Moss and Freddy Sanchez added hits.
If you’re keeping track at home, you can make that 17 consecutive losses at Miller Park for the Buccos. They try to reverse the trend at 1:05 today.
Ryan Braun threatens the Pirates
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.
Today’s home opener proved to be a great day at PNC Park. There were plenty of pregame festivities as Nate McLouth was presented with his Gold Glove Award and Steve Blass was recognized for being a part of the Pirates for 50 seasons, and the Pirates wore special caps to honor and remember the Pittsburgh police officers who were killed last week.
For his second straight start this season, Zach Duke was effective on the mound. Today, he threw a complete game shutout and the Pirates beat the Houston Astros 7-0. The Astros appear to be a very bad team. They’re 1-6, and they’ve scored just 16 runs. Even the 0-7 Nationals have put 34 on the scoreboard. This would be a nice time to record a three game sweep.
Every Pirate in the batting order recorded a hit today. Ramon Vazquez started at 3rd base again, in place of Andy LaRoche. I think this series against the Astros would be an appropriate time to get LaRoche back into the lineup and hopefully get into a solid rhythm. Freddy Sanchez had a great game today, going 3-5 with three doubles. Adam LaRoche and Ryan Doumit added homers.
The Bucs get the day off tomorrow before a 7:05 P.M. game on Wednesday. Mike Hampton @ Ross Ohlendorf.
Pirates @ Cardinals – 1:35 P.M.
Ross Ohlendorf vs. Chris Carpenter
1:45 – Both LaRoches are out of the starting lineup today. Apparently, Adam has the flu. Andy is still benched after 2 poor games. Hopefully the Pirates remember that those were only two games. I wouldn’t mind seeing Andy getting back into the lineup.
3:00 – It’s never easy following baseball from work, but thankfully MLB.com’s GameDay makes it a little easier. The Pirates lead 1-0 in the fifth despite Carpenter throwing a no-hitter. A 2nd inning Pujols error helped Ramon Vazquez (who walked) get around the bases.
3:25 – With two outs in the 7th, Vazquez broke up Chris Carpenter’s no hitter. Still 1-0 Pirates.
3:57 – And now the lead is gone too. Four straight Cardinals’ singles made the score 2-1 Cards. Just like that… we’re 3 outs away from defeat. Maybe we’ll have some more Opening Day magic in store?
4:12 – That’s the end of a tough 2-1 loss. The Cards deserved this game though, with 8 hits, and only 1 for the Pirates. Still, I’m happy to split the opening series in St. Louis… on to Cincy!
8:15 – After a long day at work and a trip to the grocery store, I’ve put meatloaf in the oven, and I’m ready to listen to the Buccos! What the heck… I’ll try a live game log. I’m listening on XM Radio tonight, so I’ve got the Cardinals’ feed. Bring on John Rooney.
8:16 – Play ball! Duke @ Wellemeyer. Njyer Morgan to the plate. The lineup shows that Ramon Vazquez will be starting third base in place of Andy LaRoche. LaRoche had a nice spring, but he’s struggled in the opening two games, going 0 for 5 with 3 defensive errors.
8:25 – The Pirates tried to put a first inning rally together. They caught a bad break when Ryan Doumit hit a ground-rule double to deep center. If the ball hadn’t left the field of play, Freddy Sanchez would have easily scored from first. After 1/2 inning, Pirates 0 – Cardinals 0.
8:30 – I’m really hoping that Zach Duke turns a corner this season. He starts with a walk.
8:31 – Kahlil Greene grounded out, 5-4-3. Operation: Shut Down Pujols begins.
8:32 – Struck him out! Went down looking.
8:39 – The good guys got on the board first! Moss singled. Vazquez walked. Wilson singled to score Moss! Let’s keep the rally going!
8:41 – After Zach Duke struck out, Nyjer Morgan continues hit hot streak by hitting at RBI single!
8:43 – Freddy Sanchez hit a bloop single, and Jack Wilson read the hit perfectly to leave 2nd on contact a score a run! The Bucs have 3 on the scoreboard, and the Cards sent a pitching coach to the mound!
8:47 – After a Nate McLouth Walk, Ryan Doumit hit an RBI single to right. Unfortunately, he was picked off first base (9-4-3). Tough way to spoil a second inning rally. Adam LaRoche fouled out to third to end the top half of the 2nd inning. 4-0 Pirates. Let’s go Zach!
8:57 – The Cards scored in the bottom of the 2nd, but it could’ve been much worse. Ryan Ludwick got on thanks to a Doumit catcher’s interference. A stolen base and a Rick Ankiel single drove in Ludwick. The key play was a David Freese flyout to Nyjer Morgan. Thanks to a wise defensive shift, the play was an easy out. With a standard defensive alignment, the play would’ve resulted in a hit in the gap and quite possibly an extended Cards rally. 4-1 Bucs.
9:04 – The Pirates got the run back in the top of the 3rd. Moss doubled. Vazquez grounded out, sending Moss to 3rd. A Wilson single drove him in. That’s Wilson’s 2nd RBI of the night. 5-1 Bucs.
9:11 – 3 up. 3 down. One thing that makes this Pirate lead even better is the fact that my meatloaf is ready. Yum.
9:28 – Not much news from the fourth. Pujols made an A+ defensive play to retire Adam LaRoche. Duke retired Pujols again in the bottom half of the inning. Still 5-1.
9:37 – Through 5 innings, Sanchez, Moss, and Wilson are all 3-3. Doumit is 2-3. Not bad.
9:40 – Duke struck out Ankiel, but a Doumit passed ball allowed Ankiel to reach first base. I was worried about this, since we went K-2-3 three times yesterday.
9:46 – The Cardinals scored one in the bottom of the fifth. Great play by Freddy Sanchez to pick up a ball deflected off Adam LaRoche’s glove and throw to the pitcher to get Rasmus out at first. 5-2 Bucs.
9:53 – Put 2 more on the board! Freddy Sanchez “doubled” (sounded more like a single and an error) and Nate McLouth got in first hit of 2009 in a homer to right field. Mmmm… 7-2 Pirates!
10:05 – The Pirates gave up a run in the 6th, but Duke is still pitching strong. 7-3
10:30 – Grabow replaced Duke, and we’re through 7. Still 7-3.
10:41 – Albert Pujols records his 700th career walk. Congratulations?
10:57 – Jack Wilson singled in the 9th to end his night at 4-5. 3 outs away from the W!
11:07 – Nothing’s easy. Tyler Yakes looked bad. Thankfully JoeThurston made a boneheaded baserunning mistake.
11:08 – Enter Mad Capper.
11:11 – Capps gets hit (very) hard, but McLouth robs a homer at the wall! 2 down.
11:13 – Raise the Jolly Roger! No doubt about it. 7-4 Pirates. We’re 2-1!
… until tomorrow.
I was in St. Louis just a few weeks ago. It’s a nice town, and Busch Stadium is beautiful. I wouldn’t mind being out there tonight.
