Pitch By Pitch

Ross Ohlendorf (RHP) (4-3, 3.77 ERA, 22 K) @ Ross Detwiler (LHP) (0-0, -.– ERA, 0 K)

7:05 P.M. EST @ Nationals Park

Tonight’s game kicks off a 4 game series in Washington. Hopefully, the Pirates can take advantage of one of the weakest teams in baseball.

Post Game Update
The Washingtion Nationals are bad. Four errors and a disastrous outing by the Nationals’ bullpen helped the Bucs get the win tonight.

Jack Wilson went 4-4 and just a HR short of the cycle.

Live Updates:

Inning 1

Away
Delwyn Young strikes out swinging.
Freddy Sanchez reaches on fielding error by shortstop Cristian Guzman.
Nate McLouth grounds into a force out, second baseman Anderson Hernandez to shortstop Cristian Guzman. Freddy Sanchez out at 2nd. Nate McLouth to 1st.
Craig Monroe reaches on fielding error by shortstop Cristian Guzman. Nate McLouth to 2nd.
Adam LaRoche pops out to third baseman Ryan Zimmerman in foul territory.

Home
Cristian Guzman hits a ground-rule double (9) on a fly ball down the left-field line.
Nick Johnson walks.
Ryan Zimmerman grounds into double play, shortstop Jack Wilson to second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche. Cristian Guzman to 3rd. Nick Johnson out at 2nd.
Adam Dunn walks.
Josh Willingham flies out to center fielder Nate McLouth.

Inning 2

Away
Robinzon Diaz flies out to right fielder Adam Dunn.
Andy LaRoche pops out to shortstop Cristian Guzman.
Jack Wilson singles on a ground ball to second baseman Anderson Hernandez.
Ross Ohlendorf grounds into a force out, shortstop Cristian Guzman to second baseman Anderson Hernandez. Jack Wilson out at 2nd.

Home
Willie Harris grounds out, first baseman Adam LaRoche to pitcher Ross Ohlendorf.
Anderson Hernandez grounds out, third baseman Andy LaRoche to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Josh Bard flies out to right fielder Delwyn Young.

Inning 3

Away
Delwyn Young strikes out swinging.
Freddy Sanchez singles on a ground ball to center fielder Willie Harris.
With Nate McLouth batting, Freddy Sanchez picked off and caught stealing 2nd base, Freddy Sanchez to 2nd. missed catch error by Nick Johnson, assist to Ross Detwiler.
Nate McLouth hit by pitch.
Craig Monroe homers (3) on a fly ball to center field. Freddy Sanchez scores. Nate McLouth scores.
Adam LaRoche called out on strikes.
Robinzon Diaz lines out sharply to pitcher Ross Detwiler.

Home
Ross Detwiler grounds out, pitcher Ross Ohlendorf to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Cristian Guzman singles on a line drive to right fielder Delwyn Young.
With Nick Johnson batting, Cristian Guzman caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Robinzon Diaz to shortstop Jack Wilson.
Nick Johnson flies out to left fielder Craig Monroe.

Inning 4

Away
Andy LaRoche flies out to right fielder Adam Dunn.
Jack Wilson doubles (5) on a line drive to left fielder Josh Willingham.
Ross Ohlendorf strikes out swinging, catcher Josh Bard to first baseman Nick Johnson.
Delwyn Young pops out to third baseman Ryan Zimmerman.

Home
Ryan Zimmerman grounds out, shortstop Jack Wilson to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Adam Dunn flies out to center fielder Nate McLouth.
Josh Willingham called out on strikes.

Inning 5

Away
Freddy Sanchez strikes out swinging.
Nate McLouth strikes out swinging.
Craig Monroe lines out to third baseman Ryan Zimmerman.

Home
Willie Harris doubles (2) on a sharp line drive to right fielder Delwyn Young.
Anderson Hernandez flies out to right fielder Delwyn Young. Willie Harris to 3rd.
Josh Bard doubles (1) on a fly ball to right fielder Delwyn Young. Willie Harris scores.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Alex Cintron replaces Ross Detwiler.
Alex Cintron flies out to left fielder Craig Monroe.
Cristian Guzman walks.
Nick Johnson homers (4) on a fly ball to right field. Josh Bard scores. Cristian Guzman scores.
Ryan Zimmerman homers (10) on a fly ball to center field.
Adam Dunn pops out to third baseman Andy LaRoche.

Inning 6

Away
Pitcher Change: Garrett Mock replaces Ross Detwiler, batting 9th.
Adam LaRoche walks.
With Robinzon Diaz batting, wild pitch by Garrett Mock, Adam LaRoche to 2nd.
Robinzon Diaz hit by pitch.
Andy LaRoche out on a sacrifice bunt, third baseman Ryan Zimmerman to second baseman Anderson Hernandez. Adam LaRoche to 3rd. Robinzon Diaz to 2nd.
Jack Wilson doubles (6) on a line drive to left fielder Josh Willingham. Adam LaRoche scores. Robinzon Diaz scores.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Brandon Moss replaces Ross Ohlendorf.
Pitcher Change: Jesus Colome replaces Garrett Mock, batting 9th.
Brandon Moss doubles (6) on a line drive to left fielder Josh Willingham. Jack Wilson scores.
Delwyn Young singles on a ground ball to center fielder Willie Harris. Brandon Moss scores.
Freddy Sanchez flies out to right fielder Adam Dunn.
Nate McLouth doubles (6) on a sharp line drive to right fielder Adam Dunn. Delwyn Young scores. Nate McLouth advances to 3rd, on throwing error by second baseman Anderson Hernandez.
Craig Monroe flies out to left fielder Josh Willingham.

Home
Pitcher Change: Jesse Chavez replaces Ross Ohlendorf, batting 9th.
Josh Willingham grounds out, third baseman Andy LaRoche to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Willie Harris grounds out, shortstop Jack Wilson to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Anderson Hernandez singles on a ground ball to center fielder Nate McLouth, deflected by second baseman Freddy Sanchez.
Josh Bard flies out to center fielder Nate McLouth.

Inning 7

Away
Pitcher Change: Kip Wells replaces Jesus Colome, batting 7th, replacing second baseman Anderson Hernandez.
Defensive Substitution: Ronnie Belliard replaces pitcher Jesus Colome, batting 9th, playing second base.
Adam LaRoche flies out to left fielder Josh Willingham.
Robinzon Diaz walks.
Andy LaRoche strikes out swinging.
With Jack Wilson batting, Robinzon Diaz caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Josh Bard to second baseman Ronnie Belliard.

Home
Ronnie Belliard strikes out swinging.
Cristian Guzman grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Nick Johnson walks.
Ryan Zimmerman doubles (14) on a line drive to center fielder Nate McLouth. Nick Johnson to 3rd.
Pitcher Change: Tom Gorzelanny replaces Jesse Chavez, batting 9th.
Adam Dunn strikes out swinging.

Inning 8

Away
Jack Wilson triples (1) on a sharp fly ball to left fielder Josh Willingham.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Eric Hinske replaces Tom Gorzelanny.
Eric Hinske grounds out to first baseman Nick Johnson.
Delwyn Young singles on a ground ball to center fielder Willie Harris. Jack Wilson scores.
Freddy Sanchez strikes out swinging.
Pitcher Change: Joe Beimel replaces Kip Wells, batting 7th.
Nate McLouth grounds out, second baseman Ronnie Belliard to first baseman Nick Johnson.

Home
Pitcher Change: John Grabow replaces Tom Gorzelanny, batting 9th.
Josh Willingham singles on a line drive to left fielder Craig Monroe.
Willie Harris grounds into a force out, first baseman Adam LaRoche to shortstop Jack Wilson. Josh Willingham out at 2nd. Willie Harris to 1st.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Austin Kearns replaces Joe Beimel.
Austin Kearns strikes out swinging.
Josh Bard doubles (2) on a ground ball to left fielder Craig Monroe. Willie Harris scores.
Ronnie Belliard walks.
Cristian Guzman grounds into a force out, third baseman Andy LaRoche to second baseman Freddy Sanchez. Ronnie Belliard out at 2nd.

Inning 9

Away
Pitcher Change: Joel Hanrahan replaces Joe Beimel, batting 7th, replacing Austin Kearns.
Craig Monroe strikes out swinging.
Adam LaRoche walks.
With Robinzon Diaz batting, wild pitch by Joel Hanrahan, Adam LaRoche to 2nd.
Robinzon Diaz grounds out, pitcher Joel Hanrahan to first baseman Nick Johnson. Adam LaRoche to 3rd.
Andy LaRoche singles on a ground ball to left fielder Josh Willingham. Adam LaRoche scores.
Jack Wilson walks. Andy LaRoche to 2nd.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Ramon Vazquez replaces John Grabow.
Ramon Vazquez doubles (1) on a line drive to right fielder Adam Dunn. Andy LaRoche scores. Jack Wilson scores.
Delwyn Young strikes out swinging.

Home
Pitcher Change: Matt Capps replaces John Grabow, batting 9th.
Nick Johnson walks.
With Ryan Zimmerman batting, Nick Johnson advances to 2nd on defensive indifference.
Ryan Zimmerman flies out to right fielder Delwyn Young.
With Adam Dunn batting, passed ball by Robinzon Diaz, Nick Johnson to 3rd.
Adam Dunn out on a sacrifice fly to right fielder Delwyn Young. Nick Johnson scores.
Josh Willingham doubles (5) on a sharp line drive to center fielder Nate McLouth.
Willie Harris pops out to third baseman Andy LaRoche.

Joel Pineiro (4-2, 3.66) @ Ross Ohlendorf (3-3, 4.14), 7:05 P.M., PNC Park

Postgame Update:
There was a lot to feel good about in Pittsburgh last night. The Penguins destroyed the Capitals 6-2 in Game 7 of their Stanley Cup playoff series. The Pirates beat the Cardinals 5-2 and started a much-needed winning streak.

Ross Ohlendorf pitched another nice game (6IP, 2H, 1R, 5K). Pirate pitchers allowed 0 walks tonight. Matt Capps entered the game with a bit of a jam in the 9th (runners on 1st and 2nd, 1 out, 4 run lead). He allowed an Albert Pujols RBI single, but then he got Chris Duncan to ground into a double play for the save.

Jack Wilson found himself at the plate tonight. He was 3-4 with an RBI double. Like I said yesterday, it’s great having him healthy again.

Adam LaRoche hit a “home run” in the 1st that was reviewed with video replay. Replay showed that the home run hit the railing and did not clear the park. The call was overturned, and LaRoche was given an RBI double. That’s the first time that video overturned a call in PNC Park history.

Finally, in non-Pirate news, Nationals’ Ryan Zimmerman had a 30 game hitting streak going into last night. Unfortunately, he failed to record a hit against Barry Zito and the San Francisco Giants. Zimmerman spent a few months with the Harrisburg Senators on his way up to the big leagues, so I’m a fan of his. I hope he starts a new streak tomorrow (but hopefully he doesn’t hurt us too bad in our 4 game series with the Nats next week!).

Well, we’ve got a winning streak, and we’ve guaranteed a series win against the Cardinals! We’ll be reaching for the brooms tonight.

Go Bucs!

Live Updates:

Inning 1

Away
Skip Schumaker flies out to center fielder Nate McLouth.
Shane Robinson grounds out, shortstop Jack Wilson to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Albert Pujols flies out to center fielder Nate McLouth.

Home
Nyjer Morgan grounds out, second baseman Skip Schumaker to first baseman Albert Pujols.
Freddy Sanchez doubles (14) on a ground ball to left fielder Chris Duncan.
Nate McLouth grounds out to first baseman Albert Pujols. Freddy Sanchez to 3rd.
Play reviewed and overturned: Adam LaRoche doubles (9) on a fly ball to right fielder Shane Robinson. Freddy Sanchez scores.
Robinzon Diaz reaches on a fielder’s choice out, third baseman Joe Thurston unassisted. Adam LaRoche out at 3rd.

Inning 2

Away
Chris Duncan strikes out swinging.
Yadier Molina grounds out, shortstop Jack Wilson to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Colby Rasmus singles on a line drive to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.
With Khalil Greene batting, Ross Ohlendorf picks off Colby Rasmus at 1st on throw to Adam LaRoche.

Home
Andy LaRoche grounds out, shortstop Khalil Greene to first baseman Albert Pujols.
Brandon Moss singles on a ground ball to right fielder Shane Robinson.
Jack Wilson singles on a ground ball to left fielder Chris Duncan. Brandon Moss to 2nd.
Ross Ohlendorf strikes out on missed bunt.
Nyjer Morgan grounds into a force out, second baseman Skip Schumaker to shortstop Khalil Greene. Jack Wilson out at 2nd.

Inning 3

Away
Khalil Greene flies out to right fielder Brandon Moss.
Joe Thurston grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to pitcher Ross Ohlendorf.
Joel Pineiro strikes out swinging.

Home
Freddy Sanchez grounds out, shortstop Khalil Greene to first baseman Albert Pujols.
Nate McLouth lines out to center fielder Colby Rasmus.
Adam LaRoche doubles (10) on a fly ball to left fielder Chris Duncan.
Robinzon Diaz flies out to center fielder Colby Rasmus.

Inning 4

Away
Skip Schumaker homers (1) on a fly ball to right center field.
Shane Robinson grounds out, shortstop Jack Wilson to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Albert Pujols flies out to center fielder Nate McLouth.
Chris Duncan grounds out to first baseman Adam LaRoche.

Home
Andy LaRoche grounds out, shortstop Khalil Greene to first baseman Albert Pujols.
Brandon Moss doubles (3) on a fly ball to center fielder Colby Rasmus.
Jack Wilson doubles (4) on a fly ball to right fielder Shane Robinson. Brandon Moss scores.
Ross Ohlendorf grounds out softly, third baseman Joe Thurston to first baseman Albert Pujols. Jack Wilson to 3rd.
Nyjer Morgan grounds out, pitcher Joel Pineiro to first baseman Albert Pujols.

Inning 5

Away
Yadier Molina grounds out, pitcher Ross Ohlendorf to shortstop Jack Wilson to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Colby Rasmus flies out to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.
Khalil Greene grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.

Home
Freddy Sanchez grounds out, third baseman Joe Thurston to first baseman Albert Pujols.
Nate McLouth lines out to first baseman Albert Pujols.
Adam LaRoche pops out to shortstop Khalil Greene.

Inning 6

Away
Joe Thurston strikes out swinging, catcher Robinzon Diaz to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Joel Pineiro strikes out swinging.
Skip Schumaker strikes out swinging.

Home
Robinzon Diaz hit by pitch.
Andy LaRoche singles on a ground ball to left fielder Chris Duncan, deflected by third baseman Joe Thurston. Robinzon Diaz to 3rd.
Brandon Moss grounds into a force out, second baseman Skip Schumaker to shortstop Khalil Greene. Robinzon Diaz scores. Andy LaRoche out at 2nd. Brandon Moss to 1st.
Jack Wilson singles on a soft fly ball to right fielder Shane Robinson. Brandon Moss to 2nd.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Eric Hinske replaces Ross Ohlendorf.
Eric Hinske grounds out to first baseman Albert Pujols. Brandon Moss to 3rd. Jack Wilson to 2nd.
Nyjer Morgan singles on a ground ball to center fielder Colby Rasmus. Brandon Moss scores. Jack Wilson scores.
Freddy Sanchez singles on a ground ball to center fielder Colby Rasmus. Nyjer Morgan to 3rd.
Nate McLouth pops out to second baseman Skip Schumaker.

Inning 7

Away
Pitcher Change: Tyler Yates replaces Ross Ohlendorf, batting 9th.
Shane Robinson grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Albert Pujols grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Chris Duncan doubles (11) on a fly ball to right fielder Brandon Moss.
Yadier Molina grounds out to first baseman Adam LaRoche.

Home
Pitcher Change: Kyle McClellan replaces Joel Pineiro, batting 9th.
Adam LaRoche flies out to left fielder Chris Duncan.
Robinzon Diaz grounds out, shortstop Khalil Greene to first baseman Albert Pujols.
Andy LaRoche strikes out swinging.

Inning 8

Away
Pitcher Change: John Grabow replaces Tyler Yates, batting 9th.
Colby Rasmus strikes out swinging, catcher Robinzon Diaz to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Khalil Greene flies out to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.
Joe Thurston lines out to right fielder Brandon Moss.

Home
Pitcher Change: Chris Perez replaces Kyle McClellan, batting 9th.
Brandon Moss called out on strikes.
Jack Wilson pops out to third baseman Joe Thurston.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Craig Monroe replaces John Grabow.
Craig Monroe flies out to center fielder Colby Rasmus.

Inning 9

Away
Pitcher Change: Jesse Chavez replaces John Grabow, batting 9th.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Nick Stavinoha replaces Chris Perez.
Nick Stavinoha flies out to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.
Skip Schumaker singles on a line drive to center fielder Nate McLouth.
Shane Robinson singles on a line drive to left fielder Nyjer Morgan. Skip Schumaker to 2nd.
Pitcher Change: Matt Capps replaces Jesse Chavez, batting 9th.
Albert Pujols singles on a ground ball to center fielder Nate McLouth. Skip Schumaker scores. Shane Robinson to 3rd.
Chris Duncan grounds into double play, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to shortstop Jack Wilson to first baseman Adam LaRoche. Albert Pujols out at 2nd.

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.