The Pirates won 9-0 and took the Series win over the Astros.

Paul Maholm pitched an absolute gem. He had a complete game 3-hit shoutout. He is the first Pirate to pitch a complete game this season (before yesterday’s game, the furthest a starter has gone was 8IP.) It was also Maholm’s fourth career complete game, and his second career complete game shuout. He threw 103 pitches, 9IP, 3H, 0ER, 1K, 0BB. He was dealing too. After six innings Maholm threw just 58 pitches with two hits.

He is now (6-7) on the season and his ERA dropped to 4.03.

The Pirates bats came alive once again (who are these guys?!?) and accumulated 19 hits.

McCutchen 1-4, 2RBI

Tabata 3-5, RBI, SB, 2R

Walker 2-5, RBI

Jones 1-4, HR(12), 2RBI

Alvarez 2-5, R

Doumit 3-5, RBI, R

Milledge 2-4, RBI, R

Cedeno 4-4, 2 R

Roy Oswalt left the game with a left ankle contusion. He went 4IP, 7H, 2ER, 5K, 0BB.

It was definitely a fun game to be at. The Pirates in the last two games have been playing really well together and are feeling more comfortable at the plate. The Pitching has been great as well.

“When you put up runs like that, it makes it a lot easier to go out there and be aggressive,” said Maholm, still wiping off shaving cream after being pied in the face for the first time since his rookie season. “I tried not to throw too many of the same pitch in a row. I think that’s the biggest thing.”

“It’s been 2 1/2 years since I’ve had one,” Maholm said. “So with that pitch count, I would have stayed out there for 130 to finish it off.” 

 Pirates.com 

Before the game started I was selected for “Smile of the Game” I received a free Kodak Video camera and was on the jumbo tron. I was so excited! Of course, I had to take a picture for you guys. (Thanks to the Pirates and Kodak for the gift! I can’t wait to use it)

Pirates News and Notes:

• McCutchen is batting .326, 3HR, 9RBI vs the Brewers this season.
• The Pirates are 24-17 when they score first this season.
• The Calvary (this season, stats entering Sat)

Neil Walker             Pedro Alvarez             Jose Tabata

.275 AVG                .214 AVG                   .241 AVG

10 2B                      5 2B                           7 2B

3 HR                        3HR                           6 RBI

12 RBI                     11 RBI                         8 SB

• Jose Tabata has not had an error in 32 games.
• Garrett Jones (last year post All-Star break)

.290 AVG, 79H, 19 2B, 16 HR, 37 RBI, 7SB

• Erik Kratz (on his baseball career)

“I love playing baseball. It’s a generic, corny answer, but I really do. And that’s what kept me going…you put the work in and at the end of the day, if you don’t measure up or you fall short of where you want to get to, you’ve put in what you could. That’s where I was in my career. That’s pretty much all that was pushing me.” -Pirates.com

• Prospect Watch (Hitters):

(Indy) Alex Presley .340 AVG, 9HR, 55 RBI, .921 OPS

(Curve) Gorkys Hernandez .274 AVG, 2HR, 25RBI, 17SB

(Curve) Josh Harrison .319 AVG, 1HR, 53RBI, 25SB

(Spikes) Adalberto Santos .346AVG, 2HR, 17RBI, .464OBP

(GCL) Exicardo Cayonez .346 AVG, 13RBI, .449SLG

• Prospect Watch (Pitchers):

(Curve) Justin Wilson 7-4, 2.85 ERA, 1.16 WHIP

(Curve) Rudy Owens 8-3, 3.00 ERA, 1.05 WHIP

(Curve) Jeff Locke 10-3, 3.35 ERA, 88K/14BB

(Bradenton) Nate Baker 6-6, 3.09 ERA,.212 OPP AVG

(Spikes) Zack Von Rosenberg 1-4, 4.85 ERA, 17K/6BB

• Bucs working on dealing Penn to Japan -Pirates.com
• Tim Alderson (Bradenton Debut) 1.2 IP, 7ER, 6H, 3BB, 0K
• The Pirates have had 36 hits in their past two games after totalling 33 in their previous five.
• Pirates suspend Right-handed pitching prospect Diego Moreno for “unprofessional conduct” -pirates.com 
• GM Neal Huntington on how he plans to evaluate the second half of the season -ByGoshItsLangosch
• Garrett Jones two run homerun yesterday was the first non-solo HR for the Pirates in 1,097 conecutive at bats.
• GFJ (last 17 games, entering Sat) .188/.211/.290 -70 PA. His OPS is down to .758 on the season.
• Pedro Alvarez has hit safely in 13 of his last 14 games.
• Sunday was the first time the Pirates have had seven doubles in a game since June of 2003.
• The Pirates turned back-to-back season high hits, Sat (17) and Sun (19).
•  8 of Ronny Cedeno’s last 11 hits have been doubles.

After I got home from the game, I watched Pirates Pre-game, and had to take a picture of this. The Pirate Parot had Rob King held at gun point. I thought it was pretty funny.

 Today’s Pitching Matchup:

Chris Capuano (spot starter)

On the Road this season: 0-1, 5.79 ERA, .381 OPP AVG

Vs the Pirates: 2-6, 6.34 ERA in 11 Starts

VS

Jeff Karstens

At Home this season: 2-0, 4.97 ERA, .265 OPP AVG

Vs the Brewers: 0-2, 4.01 ERA in 5 Starts

Around the Ballparks:

• The Twins won their first walk off win yesterday against the White Sox, scoring four runs in the bottom of the ninth. (W 7-6) 19 of the 21 games this season have been decided by 3 runs or less.
• Major league pitchers 34 percent more likely to be injured than fielder, new study finds -ScienceDaily
• Doc Halladay yesterday went 6IP, gave up 6 R, 5ER, 7H, 3K, 2HRs.
• The Indians earned their first four-game home sweep over Detroit since 1991.
• Angeles designate Paul McAnulty for assignment -mlbtraderumors
• Beckett to throw side tuesday, to start friday for Red Sox -projo
• Astros designate Casey Daigle for assignment and purchase contract of RHP Gary Majewski from Round Rock.
• The Padres extend Manager Bud Black’s contract by three years.
• Manager Ken Macha says Milwaukee Brewers batters being hit too often -ESPN

Before the game started, Ohlendorf was 1-1 with a 0.90 ERA, 16 K in 20 IP (in his last 3 starts)

Ross exited the game tonight just after 1.1 IP, 5H, 4R, 4ER, 2BB, 1K.

Normally, this would be a disaster of a game for the Pirates but tonight, it was the exact opposite.

The Pirates beat the Astros 12-6 and they had 17 hits on the night. I’m not kidding. I can’t even remember the last time the Pirates scored 12 runs, heck I can’t remember the last time they scored 8! I wasn’t at the game so here is the box score:

McCutchen 1-4, 2R, 1BB, SB

Tabata 2-5, 2R, 2RBI, 2 doubles (#8 &9)

Walker 3-5, 3R, 2RBI, K, 2B(11)

Jones 2-5, 2R, 2RBI, L, 2B(20)

Alvarez 2-5, RBI, K, 2B (6)

Milledge 2-5, R, 2RBI, K

Kratz (ML Debut) 2-5, R, 1RBI

Cedeno 2-4, R, RBI, BB, K, 2B

Church 1-1, 1RBI

LaRoche 0-1

Ohlendorf 1.1 IP, 5H, 4R, 4ER, 2BB, 1K, 1HR

Carrasco 3.1 IP, H, 2R, 2ER, BB, 2K

Lopez 0.1 IP, 1H (W, 2-1)

Donnelly 1 IP, 1K (H,8)

Meek 1.0 IP (H,6)

Hanrahan 1.0 IP, 2K (H,15)

Dotel 1.0 IP

After the game, Kratz got greeted with a nice pie by D.J.

 I loved this! I had to take a picture!

Other Pirates Notes:

• Tabata leads all MLB Rookies with 9 Stolen Bases.
• Pirates in multirun homer drought -pirates.com
• Sarah Kratz (on husband Erik’s promotion to the Pirates)

“To see my husband in that major league uniform right now, I just can’t explain it. Even if this is the only game, even if it is just one game, Erik can say he was a major-leaguer.”

John Russell:

“It’s a good story. He’s worked really hard to get here, a lot of years to get here. It doesn’t matter if you are 21 or 30, the oppurtunity to play in the major leagues is what you play for.”

-Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Minor League Update:

• Brandon Moss 2H, 2RBI, 2K, HR, 2B
• Alex Presley 3H, 3R, 3RBI, 3B
• Jeff Clement 2H, 2R, HR
• Jason Jaramillo 2H, 2RBI
• Charlie Morton 5.1 IP, 5R, 4ER, 11H, 2BB, 2K, 2HR -99 pitches, WP
• Gorkys Hernandez 1-4, extends hit streak to 16 games
• Bryan Morris 4.2 IP, 5H, 6ER, 3K, 4BB (No decision)
• Nathan Baker (High A-Debut) 6IP, 5H, 3ER, 5K, 1BB (L,0-1)
• From Fri games:

Brian Bixler (Indy debut) 2-5, 3B, RBI

Jeff Locke (AA Debut) 5IP, 4H, 0ER, 5K, 0BB

Gorkys Hernandez 2-4, RBI (.272)

Josh Harrison 2-4, RBI (.314 AVG) Leads E.L

Quincy Latimore 2-5, Walk off HR, 2 RBI

Around the Ballparks:

• The Phillies activate third baseman Placido Polanco from the DL and released OF Juan Castro. (He batted just .198 with 13 RBI in 54 games this season)
• Entering Sat night, the White Sox have won 26 of last 32 games.
• Jered Weaver won his 60th Career game yesterday.

Fewest decisions to 60 career wins (active right handed pitchers)

ATL- Tim Hudson (86 decisions)

HOU- Roy Oswalt (86 decisions)

CWS- Freddy Garcia (89 decisions)

LAA- Jered Weaver (92 decisions)

• Bronson Arroyo (last 6 starts)

5-1, 2.20 ERA, 1.00 WHIP

2 ER or fewer in 5 of the 6 starts

• Worst Road Records (AL) -Entering Sat- win pct%

Orioles 13-34 .277%

Mariners 14-31 .311%

Indians 17-31 .347%

Tigers 16-26 .381% (who are 32-13 @ Commerica Park)

A’s 18-26 .410%

• Strasburg (last nights start) 6IP, 4H, 0ER, 7K. 99 Pitches, Nats beat the Marlins, 4-0.

Strasburg has 2 ER or fewer in 7 of his 8 career starts.

• 5 + Strikeouts and 3 ER or fewer (in each of first 8 career starts)

CIN G. Nolan 1967, 11 starts

LAD F. Valenzuela 1981, 8 starts

WSH S. Strasburg 2010, 8 starts

• Brett Myer is the only pitcher in MLB to go atleast 6 innings in each of his 19 starts this season.

Consecutive starts of 6IP + (to start season)

Brett Myers 19 games (2010)

Joe Niekro 14 games (1977)

Mike Hampton 14 games (1998)

Bob Knepper 14 games (1988)

Jose Lima 13 games (1998)

• Zack Greinke (First 19 starts, last 2 seasons)

Record:          (2010) 5-9              (2009) 10-5

ERA:              (2010) 3.67            (2009) 2.08

K’s:               (2010) 104              (2009) 136

HR Allowed:   (2010) 13                (2009) 4

• Adam Wainwright is the first Cardinals player to win 10 consecutive starts at home since John Tudor in 1985.
• The Rays are now 9-0 on the road this season when Jeff Niemann (5-0 individual record) takes the mound. (3.41 ERA 60.2IP, 23ER)
• Cliff Lee is the first player to pitch at least 9 IP in each of his first two games (with new team) and go winless in both since Bill Parsons in ’71 with the Brewers. 
•  Ichiro tied Yogi Berra in career hits (2,150, which is 190th on all-time list. Unlike Yogi, Ichiro had 1,278 more in Japan.
• Tony Gwynn of the Padres is the first NL player with two inside the park HR in the same season since Jimmy Rollins did back in 2004.
• The Giants gave away Tim Lincecum bobbleheads tonight. Apparently, they ran out 30 minutes after the gates opened. It’s actually pretty awesome:

Sadly, I had to miss the game tonight. I hate when I can’t be there but that’s life. I went to a Bridal Shower so i did enjoy hanging out with friends and family. It was “Garden themed” and were told to wear our favorite hat.

No, the Red Sox are not my favorite team calm down. Any chance to wear a ball cap I jump on the oppurtunity. I am a lover of baseball. I cheer for the Pirates because I grew up watching them, but I also root for many other teams and many other players. You will find me in all different team gear, at all different ballparks, I’m not a bandwagon fan, Im a lover of the game. (Plus it looked cute with my dress )

Tomorow’s Pitching Matchup:

Roy Oswalt

6-10, 3.08 ERA

Oswalt threw a one-hit shutout in his last start. The win put him one win behind Joe Niekro for the most wins in Astros history.

VS

Paul Maholm

5-7, 4.37 ERA

Maholm deserved a better fate after a fine outing in his last start before the All-Star break. Maholm held the Brewers in check before a rare bullpen lapse led to a 5-4 extra-inning loss.

Pirates lost last night 5-2 and are now 0-7 against the Astros this season. I’m not sure if the players forgot how to play baseball over the All-Star Break or what. The game last night was just plain ugly. Mistake after mistake. It was like I was watching the movie Major league, but the live version.

Bourgeois stole second base and then third off Doumit in the first inning which resulted in a run with a ground out to short from Keppinger. Doumit also had 3 passed balls, and went 0-4 with a K.

Carrasco came into the game and the first pitch he threw resulted in a solo HR (Keppinger).

Andy LaRoche came into PH and got a walk. With Tabata on and Walker at the plate down 4-1, LaRoche got picked off second.

I don’t even want to discuss the run down that was probally the worst play I have ever seen in my life.

Gallagher had a balk called.

It was just ugly. Plain Ugly. 

The Pirates didn’t bring the bats out last night either. Going into the 7th inning the Pirates had only 2 hits.

The only good part of the evening was Evan Meek. Fresh off his All-Star weekend he came in and struck out the sides in the 8th.

Zack Duke actually pitched pretty well. He went 5IP, 5H, 2R, 5K, 0BB. Threw 78 pitches. (He was on a 75 pitch count) Duke gave us the chance to win, the Pirates unfortunately lost this one with poor defense.

“I felt good,” he said. “I felt like I was commanding the ball pretty well. I felt like the stuff was crisp. The curveball was good. The changeup was good. The fastball was down.” -Zack Duke

“Not the game you’re looking for anytime of the year,” manager John Russell said. “A few too many mistakes. Some mental lapses. Again, we’ve got to take some heat off those mistakes by scoring some runs.”

Pirates.com 

• Ronny Cedeno has postive outlook for second half.

After starting 57 of the team’s first 64 games, Cedeno saw shortstop Bobby Crosby take the majority of the playing time beginning on June 16. Manager John Russell hoped that benching Cedeno would force the 27-year-old infielder to understand the need for better consistency and focus. It also gave Cedeno time to adjust his batting stance — the goal being that Cedeno would drive more balls — with hitting coach Don Long.

“I think this has really helped me,” Cedeno said, speaking to the events of the past month. “It was a help for me because they’re trying to make me a better player. That’s what I want. I’m going to try the best I can in the second half to finish strong, hit balls hard, take good at-bats, play with emotion. I want to show them that I’m here for one reason.”

“He’s been doing a much better job,” Russell said. “He’s attentive on defense. He’s having pretty good at-bats. He’s not letting things bother him. That’s what we’ve been striving for with him. Hopefully he’s turned the corner.

“I’m trying to be consistent because that’s what they want me to do,” Cedeno said. “Sometimes I’m trying to do too much. That’s what happens. We have a lot of games left, and I’m going to stay positive. I’m going to trust myself.”

Pirates.com

• Erik Kratz was called up a few days a few days ago. Last night at the ball park he was walking around with a constant smile on his face. I took a few pictures of him. I’m hoping he gets the start on sunday, I’m excited for him to get his first start.

•  
  
• With Stan Savran for an interview for Pirates Post Game

• 
  

Chatting with Pirates bench coach Gary Varsho. I apologize, my camera on my phone isnt very good. When he gets his first start ill be sure to use my real camera for better pictures.

A mini bio on Kratz:

• He was drafted by TOR in 2002, 29th round.
• He has played 9 minor league seasons with 8 different teams
• .254 AVG, 77HR, 295 RBI in 611 Career games
• This season with AAA Indy he was batting .296, 9HR, 37RBI

Other Pirates News:

• Jeff Locke in his AA Debut: 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
• Pirates officially moved RHP Chris Jakubauskas to 60-day DL. 
• Eastern League All Star Game: 

Chase D’Arnaud 1-2, Grand Slam, Named MVP

Josh Harrison 2-2, triple, 2RBI

Derek Hankins 1IP, 0H, 0er, 2K

• Most consecutive team AB without HR with runners on:

1984 ASTROS – 1,252

1979 ASTROS – 1,159

1976 ANGELS -1,157

1983 INDIANS – 1,089

1976 PADRES – 1,076

1974 RED SOX – 1,008

2010 PIRATES – 1,003

 If you have ever been to PNC Park before, you know how beautiful the view is. Well, last night the sky was looking pretty cool so I took a few pictures of it to share with you guys.

 After the game was over, I headed up to the HOF Club to meet up with a few friends and to watch Rocco Demaro’s post game show live.

Rocco interviewing Neal Huntington.

The highlight of my night by far was meeting Dave Parker. We sandwiched him. That’s stacy (left) and me on the right.=)

Today’s Pitching Matchup:

Bud Norris (2-6) 5.97 ERA. 

VS

Ross Ohlendorf (1-7) 4.22 ERA.

I won’t be at the game tonight, I gave my ticket away, I have a Bridal shower to go to. So no live updates via twitter or pictures. I’ll be back on Sunday though ready to fight the heat. =)

Around the Ballparks:

• The Yankees beat the Twins last night with a walk off Single by Nick Swisher. Emotions were running high (they had a pre game ceremony for Steinbrenner). If you missed the ending, watch the video here
• Worst bullpen in last 50 years was Tampa Bay’s 6.16 ERA in 2007. The Dbacks went into last nights game with a 6.59 ERA.
• Ryan Tatusko, who plays for AA Frisco RoughRiders (TEX) went 9IP, 0ER, 6H, 1BB, 5K last night winning 9-1. He has only Allowed 2ER in 28IP over last 4 starts
• Russell Martin excited last nights game with swollen left thumb. Here is what he had to say after the game:

@dylanohernandez: Martin: “They’re going to have to knock me out before they put me on the DL.”

@dylanohernadnez: Martin: “I don’t mind playing banged up. It’s part of the job.”

@dylanohernandez: Martin said his thumb started to bother him when the Dodgers were in Arizona. Tonight was the first time he felt it swinging the bat.

• Bengie Molina, yes you read that correctly, hit for the Cycle last night. The first cycle hit at Fenway since 6/6/96 (John Valentin), 1st by Ranger since 4/15/09 (Ian Kinsler).
• Kevin Wood was placed on the DL for a blister on his right finger. Jensen Lewis was called up from AAA Columbus.

I used to love Ren & Stimpy when I was a kid. Honestly, who didn’t? 

When I woke up this morning, that song was playing in my head. Not only is the All-Star break over, but the Pirates are at home for a 10 game home stand.

There’s no place quite like a ballpark, is there? =)

Today’s Pitching Matchup:

Brett Myers

6-6, 3.41 ERA

Myers has pitched atleast 6 innings in all of his 18 starts this season. Milledge hitting .357 (14 AB) against him.

VS

Zack Duke

3-8, 5.49 ERA

Duke is making his first start since June 16 (He was on the DL for left elbow stiffness) Duke will be on a 75 pitch count.

Berkman vs Duke: .250 AVG (24 AB) Lee vs Duke .269 AVG (26 AB)

Other Pirates News:

• Pirates signed third round pick Rojas Jr. The Outfielder will begin with the Class A State College Spikes.
• The Bucs are looking to start the second half off right.

“Everybody seems re-engergized,” Russell said at the Pirates workout at PNC Park. “It’s not just the break.”

“Being home is going to be good for us,” Russell said. “We’re excited.”

Pirates.com

• Ten possible positives for Pirates second half -PittsburghPostGazette
• No more platoon for Milledge -PittsburghPostGazette

Around the Ballparks:

• Tim Lincecum beat the Mets, 2-0. It was his 50th career win as well as his 4th career shutout. 9IP, 6H, 1BB, 5K, 110 Pitches, 77 for K.
• The White Sox won 9th straight yesterday after beating the Twins 8-7. Beckham went 2 for 3 with a HR (4) and 2 RBI. He is expecting a big second half after a slow start to the season.
• Jason Heyward returned to the lineup yesterday since coming off the DL. He went 0-4 with a K. But he did make this Amazing catch.
• The Orioles Matt Wieter was placed on the DL with a hamstring strain. The move is retroactive to Sat. Weieters came out of Friday’s game after a stumble at second base. Juan Samuel hoped the four day All-Star break would be enough to suppress the injury. Craig Tatum will be the likely choice to play behind the plate.