Well, that didn’t last long.

As you know the Pirates finally won Monday and snapped the 17 straight game road loss after beating the cubbies. 24 hours later, they lost again.

 

The final score: 3-1.

It is the 20th loss this month (They are 5-20 in June)

They have been outscored 51-20 on this road trip alone.

And they have lost the last 18 of 19 road games.

The Pirates have hit into 19 Double plays in the month of june.

Okay, I’ll stop! It’s actually pretty depressing.

 

• Karstens went 6IP 3R 3ER 2HR 7H 1BB 2K (Jeff has only gone 7 innings ONCE this year) He gave up two HR’s to Soriano (Which is his 25th career multi HR game and his 2nd this season)
• Ted Lilly went 7IP 1R 6H 1BB 5K 101 pitches/73 for K’s
• Ryan Doumit 2-3, Solo HR, Double, RBI
• Garrett Jones 2-4
• Andrew McCutchen 1-4
• Alfonso Soriano 2-4, 2HR, 2RBI (Entered the gm a career 4-8 against Karstens)
• Koyle Hill 2-3, Double, Run
• Starlin Castro 1-1, walk, double, RBI

 

On a different note. Think about this. Remember the Pirates (who are 8-3 against the Cubs this year) have a payroll of $34,943,000. The Cubs have a payroll of $146,859,000. That’s over a 100M $ difference. I just wanted you guys to think about that for a minute. So many fans complain and complain about the payroll here in Pittsburgh. Payroll doesn’t always equal a good team (unless your the Yankees who buy Championships. Yes, I had to go there) Talent always, always prevails.

 

There is a Neil Walker update. (YAY!) He is said to be doing much better and should be back in the lineup by the end of the week.

Yesterday’s game was the 1st outing at Wrigley Field for Brendan Donnelly. He has pitched in 32 ballparks in his 7 year career.

 

 

Minor League News:

• The (Minor League) 2010 Eastern League All Stars were choosen yesterday. The buccos who were selected were:

Hector Gimenez, C (.327 AVG 11HR)

Matt Hague, 1B (.299 AVG 43 RBI)

Josh Harrison, LF (.313 AVG 22 Doubles) -2nd Highest AVG in EL

Derek Hankins, RHP (1.60 ERA) -Lowest ERA in EL

Rudy Owens, LHP (2.74 ERA 0.95 WHIP)

 

• Charlie Morton started yesterday. It Didn’t go so well. 3IP 7H 4ER 3BB 3K

 

Today’s Pitching Matchup:

 

 

Brad Lincoln                     vs              (ex Bucco) Tom Gorzelanny

0-2 6.00 ERA                                     2-5 3.41 ERA

Lincoln- Is making his 5th ML start. He is still winless. (Let’s hope that changed today!) His last outing went 6IP 3ER 8H 107 Pitches/63 for K’s

Gorzelanny- Has not started since May 26th (He is replacing crazy Carlos Zambrano in the rotation)

 

Around the Ballparks

• Tigers reliever Joel Zumaya will miss the rest of the season with a non displaced fracture of the olecranon (which in simple terms means a broken right elbow) The video is pretty heartbreaking. If you want to see it, you can here. 
• Bad news for Phillies fans: Chase Utley was placed on the 15 day DL for a sprained right thumb. Placido Polanco was also placed on the 15 day DL for inflammation in left elbow.
• Cliff Lee yesterday was his usuall brillant self. Pitched his 3rd straight complete game. (I still think the Phillies were very stupid for not signing him at the end of last year) The Yankees were apparently impressed with his pitching. (um, duh! Who wasn’t?!) Possible trade rumor? Read the article here 
• Denard Span hit three triples in a single game yesterday. Players since 1982 that have done the same:

Denard Span 06/29/10

Rafael Furcal 4/21/02

Lance Johnson 9/23/95

Herm Winningham 08/15/90

Shawon Dunston 07/28/90

• Josh Hamilton set the Rangers record for the most hits in a month yesterday with 48.
• Jim Thome’s HR last night is his career number 572, bringing him within one of Harmon Killebrew’s 573.
• Orioles are 0-46 when trailing after 8 innings.
• Interesting tweet yesterday from @BNightengale  (Writter for USA Today) “Now that the Marlins have decided to stay pat, Bobby Valentine certainly will become a top candidate in LA if Torre leaves.” 
• Joe Blanton had a 7.28 ERA after his 1st 8 starts this season, but has a 3.80 ERA in his last three.
• Pitcher Yovani Gallardo has 3HR. The same as Johnny Damon, Joe Mauer, Yankees LF’s and Rockies 1st Baseman. 1 more than A’s RF’s, Pirates LF’s. (tweet from @ed_price)

Speaking of twitter, if your on it add me! @kristpie