Pitch By Pitch

Todd Wellemeyer (3-2, 4.75) @ Zach Duke (3-3, 2.79), 7:05 P.M., PNC Park

I’ll be at Camden Yards, watching the O’s vs. the Rays.

Post Game Update:
I could hardly believe my eyes as the out-of-town scoreboard in Camden Yards kept updating. Thanks to 8 strong innings from Zach Duke, the Pirates beat the Cards 7-1. Through 7 games, Duke’s ERA is 2.52. Good stuff!

The Pirates got home runs from Adam LaRoche and Brandon Moss, two players who have been struggling as of recent. Hopefully, they’re starting to turn the corner.

Jack Wilson is back! Even though he went 0-4 tonight, he was part of a nice double play, and it feels really good to have him back on the field.

Currently, the biggest cause for concern is Matt Capps. He came in for the 9th inning and loaded the bases with no outs. He escaped the inning and didn’t allow any runs, but now his last 4 performances have been shaky.

April 24 – Flyout, Walk, Popout, Walk, Single – 1 run
May 2 – Single, Single, Single, Single, Flyout, K, Single, K – 2 runs
May 4 – Single, Single, Walk, SacFly, HR, K, Flyout – 4 runs
May 12 – Single, Walk, Walk, K, K, Flyout – 0 runs

Andy LaRoche scores against the Cardinals

Live Updates:

Inning 1

Away
Skip Schumaker strikes out swinging.
Khalil Greene grounds out, third baseman Andy LaRoche to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Albert Pujols homers (13) on a fly ball to center field.
Ryan Ludwick singles on a ground ball to left fielder Nyjer Morgan, deflected by shortstop Jack Wilson.
Yadier Molina flies out to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.

Home
Nyjer Morgan grounds out, shortstop Khalil Greene to first baseman Albert Pujols.
Freddy Sanchez strikes out on foul tip.
Nate McLouth walks.
Adam LaRoche strikes out swinging.

Inning 2

Away
Chris Duncan walks.
Tyler Greene flies out to right fielder Brandon Moss.
Todd Wellemeyer strikes out on foul bunt.
Shane Robinson singles on a line drive to right fielder Brandon Moss. Chris Duncan to 3rd.
Skip Schumaker grounds out, shortstop Jack Wilson to first baseman Adam LaRoche.

Home
Robinzon Diaz singles on a ground ball to center fielder Shane Robinson.
Andy LaRoche grounds into a force out, second baseman Skip Schumaker to shortstop Khalil Greene. Robinzon Diaz out at 2nd. Andy LaRoche to 1st.
Brandon Moss singles on a line drive to left fielder Chris Duncan. Andy LaRoche to 2nd.
Jack Wilson pops out to catcher Yadier Molina in foul territory.
Zach Duke singles on a line drive to center fielder Shane Robinson. Andy LaRoche scores. Brandon Moss to 2nd.
Nyjer Morgan triples (3) on a fly ball to center fielder Shane Robinson. Brandon Moss scores. Zach Duke scores.
Defensive Substitution: Colby Rasmus replaces right fielder Ryan Ludwick, batting 4th, playing center field.
Defensive switch from center field to right field for Shane Robinson.
Freddy Sanchez walks.
Nate McLouth singles on a ground ball to right fielder Shane Robinson. Nyjer Morgan scores. Freddy Sanchez to 2nd.
Adam LaRoche strikes out swinging.

Inning 3

Away
Khalil Greene grounds out, third baseman Andy LaRoche to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Albert Pujols grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Colby Rasmus flies out to center fielder Nate McLouth.

Home
Robinzon Diaz grounds out, shortstop Khalil Greene to first baseman Albert Pujols.
Andy LaRoche grounds out, shortstop Khalil Greene to first baseman Albert Pujols.
Brandon Moss singles on a line drive to right fielder Shane Robinson.
Jack Wilson flies out to center fielder Colby Rasmus.

Inning 4

Away
Yadier Molina hit by pitch.
St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Ryan Ludwick left the game due to an injured leg.
Chris Duncan grounds into double play, pitcher Zach Duke to shortstop Jack Wilson to first baseman Adam LaRoche. Yadier Molina out at 2nd.
Tyler Greene singles on a line drive to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.
Todd Wellemeyer strikes out swinging, catcher Robinzon Diaz to first baseman Adam LaRoche.

Home
Zach Duke pops out to second baseman Skip Schumaker.
Nyjer Morgan grounds out, shortstop Khalil Greene to first baseman Albert Pujols.
Freddy Sanchez walks.
Nate McLouth grounds out, catcher Yadier Molina to first baseman Albert Pujols.

Inning 5

Away
Shane Robinson grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Skip Schumaker grounds out, shortstop Jack Wilson to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Khalil Greene strikes out swinging.

Home
Adam LaRoche homers (6) on a fly ball to center field.
Robinzon Diaz singles on a line drive to right fielder Shane Robinson.
Andy LaRoche strikes out swinging.
Brandon Moss homers (1) on a fly ball to right field. Robinzon Diaz scores.
Pitcher Change: Blaine Boyer replaces Todd Wellemeyer, batting 8th.
Jack Wilson grounds out, shortstop Khalil Greene to first baseman Albert Pujols.
Zach Duke strikes out swinging.

Inning 6

Away
Albert Pujols grounds out, third baseman Andy LaRoche to shortstop Jack Wilson to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Colby Rasmus hit by pitch.
Yadier Molina grounds out, third baseman Andy LaRoche to first baseman Adam LaRoche. Colby Rasmus to 2nd.
Chris Duncan strikes out swinging.

Home
Pitcher Change: Trever Miller replaces Blaine Boyer, batting 8th.
Nyjer Morgan strikes out swinging.
Freddy Sanchez singles on a ground ball to second baseman Skip Schumaker.
Nate McLouth grounds out, second baseman Skip Schumaker to first baseman Albert Pujols. Freddy Sanchez to 2nd.
Adam LaRoche pops out to third baseman Tyler Greene in foul territory.

Inning 7

Away
Tyler Greene grounds out, third baseman Andy LaRoche to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Jason LaRue replaces Trever Miller.
Jason LaRue flies out to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.
Shane Robinson grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.

Home
Pitcher Change: Brad Thompson replaces Trever Miller, batting 5th, replacing catcher Yadier Molina.
Jason LaRue remains in the game as the catcher.
Robinzon Diaz grounds out, shortstop Khalil Greene to first baseman Albert Pujols.
Andy LaRoche hit by pitch.
Brandon Moss grounds into a force out, second baseman Skip Schumaker to shortstop Khalil Greene. Andy LaRoche out at 2nd. Brandon Moss to 1st.
Jack Wilson grounds out, pitcher Brad Thompson to second baseman Skip Schumaker to first baseman Albert Pujols.

Inning 8

Away
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Brian Barden replaces Skip Schumaker.
Brian Barden grounds out to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Khalil Greene flies out to right fielder Brandon Moss.
Albert Pujols flies out to center fielder Nate McLouth.

Home
Brian Barden remains in the game as the third baseman.
Defensive switch from third base to second base for Tyler Greene.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Craig Monroe replaces Zach Duke.
Craig Monroe pops out to second baseman Tyler Greene.
Nyjer Morgan singles on a ground ball to center fielder Colby Rasmus.
Freddy Sanchez flies out to center fielder Colby Rasmus.
Nate McLouth flies out to center fielder Colby Rasmus.

Inning 9

Away
Pitcher Change: Matt Capps replaces Zach Duke, batting 9th.
Colby Rasmus singles on a ground ball to right fielder Brandon Moss.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Joe Thurston replaces Brad Thompson.
With Joe Thurston batting, Colby Rasmus advances to 2nd on defensive indifference.
Joe Thurston walks.
Chris Duncan walks. Colby Rasmus to 3rd. Joe Thurston to 2nd.
Tyler Greene strikes out swinging.
Jason LaRue strikes out swinging.
Shane Robinson flies out to right fielder Brandon Moss.

Ready or not, Game 2 of our series with the Cardinals is a day game.

Ross Ohlendorf (3-2, 3.48) @ Todd Wellemeyer (2-2, 5.28), 1:40 P.M., Busch Stadium

–

Compare today’s starting lineup with the Opening Day lineup.
Today: McLouth, Young, Monroe, Hinske, Moss, An. LaRoche, Diaz, Bixler
Opening Day: Morgan, Sanchez, McLouth, Doumit, LaRoche, LaRoche, Moss, Wilson
Obviously, injuries have played some role in these changes. I’m also guessing that John Russell is trying anything that might help to end this losing skid.

The Pirates only managed 4 hits in the game. Robinzon Diaz went 2 for 3, including a solo homer. The Bucs have now lost 5 in a row.

Live Updates:

Inning 1

Away
Nate McLouth walks.
Delwyn Young grounds into double play, pitcher Todd Wellemeyer to shortstop Khalil Greene to first baseman Albert Pujols. Nate McLouth out at 2nd.
Craig Monroe grounds out sharply, first baseman Albert Pujols to pitcher Todd Wellemeyer.

Home
Skip Schumaker triples (1) on a line drive to center fielder Nate McLouth.
Colby Rasmus flies out to center fielder Nate McLouth.
Albert Pujols out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Nate McLouth. Skip Schumaker scores.
Ryan Ludwick grounds out, shortstop Brian Bixler to first baseman Eric Hinske.

Inning 2

Away
Eric Hinske flies out to left fielder Chris Duncan.
Brandon Moss pops out to third baseman Joe Thurston in foul territory.
Andy LaRoche walks.
Robinzon Diaz flies out to right fielder Ryan Ludwick.

Home
Chris Duncan flies out to center fielder Nate McLouth.
Khalil Greene grounds out, shortstop Brian Bixler to first baseman Eric Hinske.
Joe Thurston singles on a sharp ground ball to right fielder Brandon Moss.
Jason LaRue grounds out, third baseman Andy LaRoche to first baseman Eric Hinske.

Inning 3

Away
Brian Bixler called out on strikes.
Ross Ohlendorf singles on a sharp ground ball to center fielder Colby Rasmus.
Nate McLouth flies out to right fielder Ryan Ludwick.
Delwyn Young pops out to first baseman Albert Pujols in foul territory.

Home
Todd Wellemeyer flies out to left fielder Craig Monroe.
Skip Schumaker singles on a line drive to center fielder Nate McLouth.
Colby Rasmus flies out to left fielder Craig Monroe.
Albert Pujols flies out to center fielder Nate McLouth.

Inning 4

Away
Craig Monroe flies out to center fielder Colby Rasmus.
Eric Hinske flies out to center fielder Colby Rasmus.
Brandon Moss grounds out to first baseman Albert Pujols.

Home
Ryan Ludwick called out on strikes.
Chris Duncan strikes out swinging.
Khalil Greene reaches on throwing error by third baseman Andy LaRoche. Khalil Greene to 2nd.
Joe Thurston grounds out, second baseman Delwyn Young to first baseman Eric Hinske.

Inning 5

Away
Andy LaRoche walks.
Robinzon Diaz singles on a line drive to center fielder Colby Rasmus. Andy LaRoche to 2nd.
Brian Bixler strikes out swinging.
Ross Ohlendorf flies out to center fielder Colby Rasmus.
Nate McLouth doubles (2) on a line drive to right fielder Ryan Ludwick. Andy LaRoche scores. Robinzon Diaz to 3rd.
Delwyn Young flies out to center fielder Colby Rasmus.

Home
Jason LaRue homers (1) on a fly ball to left center field.
Todd Wellemeyer strikes out swinging, catcher Robinzon Diaz to first baseman Eric Hinske.
Skip Schumaker singles on a line drive to right fielder Brandon Moss.
Colby Rasmus singles on a bunt ground ball to pitcher Ross Ohlendorf. Skip Schumaker to 2nd.
Albert Pujols hit by pitch. Skip Schumaker to 3rd. Colby Rasmus to 2nd.
Ryan Ludwick hit by pitch. Skip Schumaker scores. Colby Rasmus to 3rd. Albert Pujols to 2nd.
Chris Duncan out on a sacrifice fly to left fielder Craig Monroe. Colby Rasmus scores.
Khalil Greene singles on a line drive to left fielder Craig Monroe. Albert Pujols scores. Ryan Ludwick to 3rd.
Joe Thurston pops out to second baseman Delwyn Young.

Inning 6

Away
Craig Monroe lines out to left fielder Chris Duncan.
Eric Hinske grounds out to first baseman Albert Pujols.
Brandon Moss pops out to third baseman Joe Thurston.

Home
Jason LaRue called out on strikes.
Todd Wellemeyer strikes out swinging.
Skip Schumaker walks.
With Colby Rasmus batting, Skip Schumaker caught stealing 2nd base, pitcher Ross Ohlendorf to shortstop Brian Bixler.

Inning 7

Away
Andy LaRoche flies out to center fielder Colby Rasmus.
Robinzon Diaz homers (1) on a fly ball to left field.
Brian Bixler strikes out swinging.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Ramon Vazquez replaces Ross Ohlendorf.
Ramon Vazquez strikes out swinging.

Home
Pitcher Change: Evan Meek replaces Ross Ohlendorf, batting 9th.
Colby Rasmus strikes out swinging.
Albert Pujols grounds out, shortstop Brian Bixler to first baseman Eric Hinske.
Ryan Ludwick flies out to right fielder Brandon Moss.

Inning 8

Away
Pitcher Change: Trever Miller replaces Todd Wellemeyer, batting 9th.
Nate McLouth strikes out swinging.
Delwyn Young flies out to center fielder Colby Rasmus.
Pitcher Change: Blaine Boyer replaces Trever Miller, batting 9th.
Craig Monroe strikes out swinging.

Home
Chris Duncan strikes out swinging.
Khalil Greene walks.
Joe Thurston grounds into a force out, second baseman Delwyn Young to shortstop Brian Bixler. Khalil Greene out at 2nd. Joe Thurston to 1st.
Jason LaRue hits a ground-rule double (1) on a fly ball to left-center field. Joe Thurston to 3rd.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Shane Robinson replaces Blaine Boyer.
Shane Robinson grounds out, shortstop Brian Bixler to first baseman Eric Hinske.

Inning 9

Away
Defensive switch from second base to left field for Skip Schumaker.
Defensive Substitution: Brian Barden replaces left fielder Chris Duncan, batting 5th, playing third base.
Defensive switch from third base to second base for Joe Thurston.
Pitcher Change: Ryan Franklin replaces Blaine Boyer, batting 9th.
Eric Hinske grounds out sharply, second baseman Joe Thurston to first baseman Albert Pujols.
Brandon Moss strikes out swinging.
Andy LaRoche grounds out, shortstop Khalil Greene to first baseman Albert Pujols.

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.