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.
New York Mets shortstop Ramon Martinez left the game due to an injured hand/wrist.
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.

Zach Duke (LHP) (5-3, 2.84 ERA, 32 K) @ Gavin Floyd (RHP) (2-4, 7.71 ERA, 35 K)

8:11 P.M. EST @ U.S. Cellular Field

Interleague play begins with tonight’s game against the Chicago White Sox.

Post Game Update
Yep… we suck at interleague play. At 63-101, the Pirates have the worst interleague record in Major League Baseball. The record only got worse tonight because the Pirates couldn’t figure out Gavin Floyd and only got 2 hits.

Zach Duke recorded an 8 inning complete game in the loss. Duke didn’t pitch bad, but he got no help. The White Sox first run came following a stolen base by Alexi Ramirez where replay later showed that Ramirez was out. Duke also surrendered a solo HR to Ramirez in the 8th.

This game was done in a speedy 1:51, and this game had just four plate appearances above the minimum.

Live Updates:

Inning 1

Away
Nyjer Morgan grounds out, second baseman Jayson Nix to first baseman Paul Konerko.
Freddy Sanchez strikes out swinging.
Nate McLouth walks.
With Adam LaRoche batting, Nate McLouth steals (6) 2nd base.
Adam LaRoche flies out to left fielder Scott Podsednik.

Home
Scott Podsednik singles on a ground ball to center fielder Nate McLouth.
Jayson Nix called out on strikes.
Jermaine Dye grounds into double play, pitcher Zach Duke to second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche. Scott Podsednik out at 2nd.

Inning 2

Away
Eric Hinske strikes out swinging.
Brandon Moss strikes out swinging.
Ramon Vazquez grounds out, second baseman Jayson Nix to first baseman Paul Konerko.

Home
Paul Konerko strikes out swinging.
A. J. Pierzynski grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Carlos Quentin strikes out swinging.

Inning 3

Away
Jason Jaramillo called out on strikes.
Jack Wilson flies out to center fielder Brian Anderson.
Nyjer Morgan grounds out, shortstop Alexei Ramirez to first baseman Paul Konerko.

Home
Alexei Ramirez singles on a ground ball to center fielder Nate McLouth.
With Brian Anderson batting, Alexei Ramirez steals (7) 2nd base.
Brian Anderson walks.
Josh Fields out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Zach Duke to first baseman Adam LaRoche. Alexei Ramirez to 3rd. Brian Anderson to 2nd.
Scott Podsednik grounds out, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche. Alexei Ramirez scores. Brian Anderson to 3rd.
Jayson Nix flies out to center fielder Nate McLouth.

Inning 4

Away
Freddy Sanchez strikes out swinging.
Nate McLouth grounds out to first baseman Paul Konerko.
Adam LaRoche walks.
Eric Hinske strikes out swinging.

Home
Jermaine Dye strikes out swinging.
Paul Konerko singles on a line drive to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.
A. J. Pierzynski grounds into double play, second baseman Freddy Sanchez to shortstop Jack Wilson to first baseman Adam LaRoche. Paul Konerko out at 2nd.

Inning 5

Away
Brandon Moss grounds out, first baseman Paul Konerko to pitcher Gavin Floyd.
Ramon Vazquez called out on strikes.
Jason Jaramillo singles on a ground ball to center fielder Brian Anderson.
Jack Wilson lines out to second baseman Jayson Nix.

Home
Carlos Quentin grounds out, third baseman Ramon Vazquez to first baseman Adam LaRoche.
Alexei Ramirez flies out to left fielder Nyjer Morgan.
Brian Anderson called out on strikes.

Inning 6

Away
Nyjer Morgan strikes out swinging.
Freddy Sanchez grounds out, second baseman Jayson Nix to first baseman Paul Konerko.
Nate McLouth pops out to second baseman Jayson Nix.

Home
Josh Fields flies out to right fielder Brandon Moss.
Scott Podsednik singles on a bunt ground ball to second baseman Freddy Sanchez.
With Jayson Nix batting, Scott Podsednik caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Jason Jaramillo to second baseman Freddy Sanchez.
Jayson Nix flies out to center fielder Nate McLouth.

Inning 7

Away
Adam LaRoche grounds out to first baseman Paul Konerko.
Eric Hinske flies out to right fielder Jermaine Dye.
Brandon Moss singles on a line drive to right fielder Jermaine Dye.
Ramon Vazquez grounds into a force out, fielded by shortstop Alexei Ramirez. Brandon Moss out at 2nd.

Home
Jermaine Dye walks.
Paul Konerko pops out to second baseman Freddy Sanchez.
A. J. Pierzynski singles on a line drive to right fielder Brandon Moss. Jermaine Dye to 2nd.
Carlos Quentin grounds into double play, third baseman Ramon Vazquez to second baseman Freddy Sanchez to first baseman Adam LaRoche. A. J. Pierzynski out at 2nd.

Inning 8

Away
Jason Jaramillo flies out to center fielder Brian Anderson.
Jack Wilson pops out to shortstop Alexei Ramirez.
Nyjer Morgan grounds out, shortstop Alexei Ramirez to first baseman Paul Konerko.

Home
Alexei Ramirez homers (2) on a fly ball to left field.
Brian Anderson called out on strikes.
Josh Fields strikes out swinging.
Scott Podsednik grounds out, pitcher Zach Duke to first baseman Adam LaRoche.

Inning 9

Away
Pitcher Change: Bobby Jenks replaces Gavin Floyd.
Freddy Sanchez grounds out, third baseman Josh Fields to first baseman Paul Konerko.
Nate McLouth strikes out swinging.
Adam LaRoche flies out to right fielder Jermaine Dye.

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.

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.

I had a nice visit to Pittsburgh this weekend. I went to the game on Saturday night, which turned out to be the best game of the weekend (and the only game where a Pirate crossed home plate). It was also marathon weekend in Pittsburgh, so I enjoyed watching some friends run all over the city on Sunday.

Game 22 – Zach Duke pitched well (7 innings, 1 ER), but he got absolutely no help from the hitters. Bronson Arroyo shut down and shut out the Pirates, allowing 4 hits in 8 innings. This loss marked the 2nd game in a row where the Bucs were shutout, and it put the Pirates back to .500.

Game 23 – The Pirates got started early, putting 4 singles, a walk, and a HBP together to score 4 runs in the top of the 1st. Later, the Bucs got some help from a Brandon Phillips error that allowed 2 runs to score. In the top of the 9th, with an 8-4 lead, Matt Capps nearly imploded, but he survived with an 8-6 finish. Once again, the Pirates were a game above .500.

Game 24 – The thrill of victory was short-lived, as Johnny Cueto and Jeff Karstens took to the mound at 1:35 on Sunday afternoon. Karstens looked bad, as he gave up 5 runs in 5 innings. Again, the Bucs never got the bats moving, and they were shutout for the 3rd time in 4 games. No Pirate batter reached 2nd base in this game. Back to .500, and the Brewers are coming to PNC for a 2-game series.

Quick Thoughts
- We really need Ryan Doumit and Jack Wilson back in this lineup. Jen Langosch reported that Jack Wilson took some batting practice swings on Sunday. Ryan Doumit will rejoin the team on Friday.
- Who’s hot? – Delwyn Young looks good in the PH role. He’s 3-7 with 2 doubles. Other than giving up the 3 run homer to Lance Berkman on 4/16, Sean Burnett has pitched clean in relief.
- Who’s not? – Brian Bixler 3-15 and 10K, Brandon Moss 13-66 and OBP .243

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.

The Pirates officially won their first series of the season when they took 2 out of 3 games from the Atlanta Braves. The Pirates scored 3-0 and 10-0 shutouts from strong pitching performances by Paul Maholm and Ian Snell. Zach Duke started the 3rd game of the series. Things got off to a bad start and never improved much. The Braves took the final game 11-1.

Some quick notes:

Game 10
Another great start for Paul Maholm. 7IP 4H.
Jack Wilson sat this game out with a sore finger.
Delwyn Young made his first at-bat as a Pirate. He entered as a pinch hitter and fouled out to the catcher.

Game 11
Another great start for Ian Snell. 7IP 4H.
Jack Wilson sat out again.
Craig Monroe had a 6 RBI game.
Andy LaRoche is using a new batting stance, and he seems to be figuring things out, going 3-4 with an RBI

Game 12
Zach Duke didn’t have a great start. 6IP 12H 6R.
Jack Wilson got back into the starting lineup. He went 1-3.
The Pirates had 7 hits, but they could only score 1 meaningless run in the 9th.
Delwyn Young played 2 innings in LF. He struck out swinging in the 8th.

After losing a disappointing series at home to the Houston Astros, the Atlanta Braves come to town for a weekend series.

The Pirates are going to need more strong starts from Maholm, Snell, and Duke to get back up and over .500.

Friday – Jair Jurrjens @ Paul Maholm – 7:05
Saturday – Jo Jo Reyes @ Ian Snell – 12:35
Sunday – Javier Vazquez @ Zach Duke – 1:35

I won’t see much of these games because I’m traveling to Boston tonight to see my girlfriend and sister run in the marathon on Monday. We’ve got tickets to Orioles @ Red Sox on Sunday afternoon!

Have a good weekend! Go Bucs!

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.

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.