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Pregame News and Notes: Nats @ Pirates 4/23
The Pittsburgh Pirates will face the Washington Nationals at 7:05 PM ET.
Right-hander Jeff Karstens (1-0, 4.50 ERA) will start for the Bucs against Livan Hernandez (2-1, 2.88 ERA).
Karstens spot started for Ross Ohlendorf (right shoulder posterior strain) on Sunday against the Reds. He allowed five runs on eight hits with one walk and six strikeouts over 4.1 innings. It will be his second start (five appearance) this season.
Hernandez is coming off a great start against the Brewers. He allowed just one run on six hits over seven innings with no walks and three strikeouts.
News and Notes:
- Infielder Brandon Wood arrived in Pittsburgh in the early am on Saturday. He took a red eye from California to get to PNC Park before the game today. Although he’s not in the starting lineup today, he is excited for his opportunity.
Wood told Colin Dunlap of the Post-Gazette, “The Angels had to make a move, I understand that. Now, for me, this is an unbelievable opportunity. I’m fortunate for my time and my opportunity with the Angels, I am. But now, this is an all new opportunity and, really, a chance to redeem myself.”
“I talked to Neal Huntington and Clint Hurdle and I can tell this is an organization that wants me and is working toward the right direction. They want to succeed and they want to add me to it.”
“When it comes to hitting, Clint is one of the best to work with. He has a great reputation and he’s developed a lot of young guys and made a lot of players better. Just look at what he did with the young players in Colorado. He’s a guy I want to work with and I want to have him involved with helping me improve. Like I said, I just can’t wait to get there and get a uniform and get to work.”
- With Wood arriving to Pittsburgh, Pedro Ciriaco was optioned to Triple-A.
Pirates:
Andrew McCutchen CF, Jose Tabata LF, Lyle Overbay 1B, Neil Walker 2B, Garrett Jones RF, Ryan Doumit C, Pedro Alvarez 3B, Ronny Cedeno SS, Jeff Karstens RHP
Nationals:
Danny Espinosa 2B, Rick Ankiel CF, Jayson Werth RF, Adam LaRoche 1B, Wilson Ramos C, Michael Morse LF, Ian Desmond (SS), Jerry Hairston 3B, Livan Hernandez RHP
McDonald struggles, Pirates swept by Marlins
Coming off back-to-back shutouts, the Pirates were looking to end the final game on the road on a high note before heading back to Pittsburgh on Friday. The Bucs finally put some runs on the board, but right-hander James McDonald was chased from the game after just three innings in the 9-5 loss to the Florida Marlins at Sun Life Stadium on Thursday.
Pedro Alvarez, who didn’t have a RBI in the past 15 games, hit a bullet –estimated at 435 ft– into right field for a solo-home run off Chris Volstad in the 2nd inning. It was Alvarez’s first home run of the season. That one swing also ended the Pirates 23.2 consecutive scoreless inning streak.
Alvarez, who went 3-for-4, was just a triple short from the cycle.
Alvarez told Rob Biertempfel of the Tribune, It was just a matter of time before some balls fell in. I’ve been constantly working on my approach, working on my routine. There really haven’t been too many changes (to the swing). Just trying to see the ball better, basically.”
The Marlins got to McDonald early, scoring five runs in the bottom of the 2nd inning.
After allowing a lead-off walk to Gaby Sanchez, Greg Dobbs singled to center field. Mike Stanton drew a walk to load the bases with no outs. Scott Cousins hit a grand slam –his first major league career homer– to quickly give the Marlins a 4-1 lead.
McDonald told David Villavicencio of MLB.com, “It was basically right down the middle. I’m not saying he [Cousins] wouldn’t have done the same thing but if I would have thrown a quality pitch down and away I would have had a better shot of getting a ground ball and reducing damage than I would have by throwing a belt-high fastball down the middle.”
With one on and one out, McDonald hit Emilio Bonifacio by a pitch. Omar Infante singled to load the bases (for the second time in the inning). Hanley Ramirez grounded into a force out, but a run scored, giving the Marlins a 5-1 lead.
More trouble came for McDonald in the 3rd, after issuing a leadoff walk to Stanton, Cousins doubled and Bret Hayes hit a three-run homer for a 8-1 lead.
McDonald retired the next two batters to get out of the inning, but was replaced by Daniel McCutchen in the 4th.
McDonald allowed eight runs on six hits (including two home runs) with three walks and three strike outs over three innings.
Manager Clint Hurdle told David Villavicencio of MLB.com, “A swinging bat is a dangerous bat. And pitches, when they’re not located where they’re supposed to be, guys hit them. We had three first home runs of the year. We gave up eight out of nine runs on home runs.”
The Pirates rallied in the 6th inning. Lyle Overbay singled and Neil Walker and Garrett Jones drew back-to-back walks to load the bases. Pedro Alvarez and Chris Snyder each hit RBI singles and Josh Rodriguez was hit by a pitch to cut the lead, 9-5.
The Bucs had just one hit over the final three innings as they went on to lose 9-5.
With the 9-5 loss, the Pirates were swept for the first time this season. The Bucs drop to 8-11 on the season.
“It’s never good to lose three games in a row,” Alvarez said. “But the beauty of it is, tomorrow we get to go out again and try to win a ballgame.”
Pre-game News and Notes: Pirates @ Marlins 4/21
The Pittsburgh Pirates will face the Florida Marlins for the final of the three game series at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, Fla., at 7:10 PM ET.
Right-hander James McDonald (0-1, 7.47 ERA)will start for the Bucs against righty Chris Volstad (0-1, 5.59 ERA)
McDonald allowed six runs on nine hits with two strikeouts and two walks over 4.1 innings during his last start.
Volstad allowed five earned runs on eight hits with two walks and three strikeouts over 4.2 innings during his last outing.
News and Notes:
- Manager Clint Hurdle told Root Sports, “We’ve played 18 games. We struck out 180 times. If you’re any kind of math opportunist, that means we have six and a half games of nothing but strikeouts. That’s challenging. It’s not going to get us where we want to go.”
- Andrew McCutchen is back in the lineup tonight after missing the game yesterday due to personal reasons. McCutchen was visiting his father who was hospitalized.
McCutchen told Root Sports on the importance of his parents “They both made a lot of sacrifices for me growing up. They are the reason I’m here now. It’s good that they’re there. They’ve always been supportive of me. The least I could do is be there at least for a day, to show him that I’m here…It was good just to be able to see him. He’s going to be good as new in a few days.”
McCutchen told Rob Biertempfel of the Tribune, “It’s been on my mind a little bit. I’ve been thinking about him. I thought it would be better for me to see him physically to make him feel a little better, and I was able to do that.”
“He kicked me out, basically,” McCutchen said, grinning. “He was excited to see me. When my mom asked if I’d be there for a while, my dad looked and shook his head and told me, ‘Leave.’ It’s good to be back.”
Pirates:
Andrew McCutchen Cf, Jose Tabata CF, Lyle Overbay 1B, Neil Walker 2B, Garrett Jones RF, Pedro Alvarez 3B, Chris Snyder C, Josh Rodriguez SS, James McDonald RHP
Marlins:
Emilio Bonifacio LF, Omar Infante 2B, Hanley Ramirez SS, Gaby Sanchez 3B, Greg Dobbs LF, Mike Stanton RF, Scott Cousins CF, Brett Hayes C, Chris Volstad RHP
Pirates finding success on the road
Despite losing 6-0 to the Marlins on Tuesday evening, the Pirates have been successful on the road this season. The Bucs are 7-4 away from PNC Park this year. A huge difference from 2010 when the Bucs went 17-64 on the road.
The Pirates have won all three of their road series (Cubs, Cardinals, Reds) –the first time they have three straight series wins on the road since April of 2002.
So what is the team doing differently this year?
Manager Clint Hurdle told David Villavicencio of MLB.com, “We’ve tried to simplify it. You throw first-pitch strikes, get the first batter of an inning out, and on offense you get the first hitter on base. When there are opportunities to score, you get them in. These are the baseball staples.
“I wasn’t here last year but I know these are some areas that we weren’t very good in. They’ve taken it to heart that for us to go where we want to go, we’ve got to become a much better ballclub on the road. We’ve gotten out of the blocks pretty clean so far. There are a lot of games left to play, but I’m pleased with the effort and the attitude on the road, and I anticipate it will turn around back home when we get there.”
Notes:
- Third baseman Pedro Alvarez was back in the lineup on Tuesday, after getting the day off on Monday. Alvarez was moved down the order, batting in the seventh spot –for the first time in his career.
Hurdle told David Villavicencio of MLB.com, “There is ownership to a lineup, and you give guys the opportunity to move, and when guys aren’t getting things done, you shuffle them around. I’m going to be proactive rather than reactive with it. Right now, Jones has earned five and Pedro has earned seven.”
- Right-hander Jeff Karstens will start for the Pirates on Friday against the Washington Nationals in D.C. Karstens will make his second spot start for Ross Ohlendorf (right shoulder posterior strain) who was placed on the disabled list (April 9th).
- Jose Ascanio (right elbow tightness) was scheduled to make a rehab appearance for Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday but the game was postponed due to weather
Pre-game News and Notes: Pirates @ Marlins 4/19
The Pittsburgh Pirates (8-8) will open up a three-game series against the Florida Marlins (8-6) tonight at7:05 PM ET in Miami, Fla.
Left-hander Paul Maholm (0-2, 2.33 ERA) will face righty Josh Johnson (2-0, 1.35 ERA)
Maholm has had three strong starts for the Pirates, but has had little run support during his outings. Maholm has allowed just five runs over 19.1 innings this season. During his last start against the Brewers, Maholm allowed two runs to score in the first but then tossed six scoreless frames after. He allowed four hits with three walks and six strikeouts over seven innings. Maholm is 3-4 with a 4.89 ERA in seven career starts against the Marlins.
Johnson had a no-hitter going until giving up a hit to the Braves Freddie Freeman with one out in the 8th inning. He’s allowed just three earned runs in three starts this season (20 innings).
News and Notes:
- Pirates closer Joel Hanrahan has not been comfortable throwing his slider this season, but despite that, he has still managed to pick up five saves.
Hanrahan told Kevin Goheen of MLB.com, “If something’s not working, you still have to figure out a way to get guys out. Sometimes you just make things up when you’re out there. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t, but for me, it comes back to believing in it and trusting in it.”
Hanrahan has allowed three runs on 11 hits with two walks and eight strikeouts over nine innings (eight appearances) this season.
- Kevin Correia’s complete game on Monday’s 9-3 win to the Cincinnati Reds was the second of his career. His other complete game came on September 25, 2009 against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
- It also marked the second complete game by a Bucs starter in the past four games (Charlie Morton, the other). The Pirates had just one complete game in 2010 (Paul Maholm). According to the Elias Sports Bureau, this is the first season for the Pirates to have more than one complete game win in April since 1992 –the last year the Pirates had a winning record.
- Seven different players (Jose Tabata, Matt Diaz, Steve Pearce, Chris Snyder, Neil Walker, Lyle Overbay and Ronny Cedeno) had at least two hits in last night’s 9-3 victory over the Reds.
- The Pirates took three of four from the Reds –the first series win in Cincinnati since 2008.
- They also have won three straight road series for the first time since April in 2002. The Bucs have won seven of 10 games on the road this season.
- Pedro Alvarez is back in the lineup tonight after given the day of on Monday. Alvarez is batting just .193 on the season. Known for his slow starts to the season, Alvarez has been working extensively with hitting coach Gregg Ritchie and Manager Clint Hurdle.
Manager Clint Hurdle told Kevin Goheen of MLB.com, “We’re just trying to help him find his way back to finding some consistency on offense. His recovery period hasn’t been what you would want at this level. Every hitter is going to go through some periods when they’re down and their stroke’s not right, but what creates separation at this level is the recovery time. You want it to be shorter than longer, and there’s been some length to this.”
Pirates:
Andrew McCutchen CF, Jose Tabata LF, Lyle Overbay 1B, Neil Walker 2B, Garrett Jones RF, Ryan Doumit C, Pedro Alvarez 3B, Ronny Cedeno SS, Paul Maholm LHP
Marlins:
Chris Coglan CF, Omar Infante 2B, Hanley Ramirez SS, Gaby Sanchez 1B, Logan Morrison LF, Mike Stanton RF, John Buck C, Emilio Bonifacio 3B, Josh Johnson RHP
Pre-game News and Notes: Pirates @ Reds 4/18
The Pittsburgh Pirates (7-8) will face the Cincinnati Reds (9-6) for the fourth and final game of the series.
With the Bucs 7-6 wild victory last night, they are looking to win their third road series in as many tries. The last time the Pirates won three consecutive road series was in April of 2002 (Mets, Cubs, Brewers).
Right-hander Kevin Correia (2-1, 2.70 ERA) will start for the Pirates against left-hander Travis Wood (1-1, 3.86 ERA).
Correia suffered his first loss against the Brewers last start. After tossing five no-hit innings, Correia allowed four runs in the 6th (including a three-run homer to Prince Fielder). Correia has been solid for the Bucs so far this season. He allowed just two runs during his first two starts (13 innings). Correia has also pitched at least six innings in each of his first three starts this season.
Wood is coming off a no-decision in which he allowed just one run on five hits, over 6.2 innings against the San Diego Padres. His second start of the season, wasn’t as pretty. He allowed six earned runs over five frames against the Diamondbacks. Wood has pitched into the seventh in two of his three starts this season.
News and Notes:
- Ronny Cedeno’s bunt in the 8th inning of the Pirates 7-6 victory of the Reds’s was his idea. With runners on first and third, Cedeno bunted towards pitcher Logan Ondrusek, who fielded the ball and threw it to catcher Ryan Hannigan, to barely tag out a sliding Garrett Jones at home plate.
A controversial play that got twitter a buzzing.
Manager Clint Hurdle told Bill Brink of the Post-Gazette, “Actually if the bunt goes another foot, we’re safe. It didn’t go enough, the guy made a great play. We take chances.”
- As It was pointed out yesterday, Garrett Jones is swinging a hot bat as of late. Last night he continued to hit as he went 2-for-4 with a run, RBI and a walk.
Jones has been putting in extensive time with hitting Coach Gregg Ritchie and Manager Clint Hurdle to make a few adjustments on his swing.
Jones told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com, “It’s all starting to come into place, feel better. I feel like I’m using my hands a lot better. I have hit some balls good the last few days and have had some good at-bats. I’m just going to try and keep that going, and keep that consistent. Every day I’m starting to feel better and where I want to be.”
Jones taking batting practice at great American ball park. *Photo credit: BucsInsider
Pirates:
Andrew McCutchen CF, Jose Tabata LF, Matt Diaz, RF, Neil Walker 2B, Steve Pearce 3B, Lyle Overbay 1B, Chris Snyder C, Ronny Cedeno SS, Kevin Correia RHP
Reds:
Drew Stubbs CF, Edgar Renteria SS, Joey Votto 1B, Scott Rolen 3B, Jonny Gomes LF, Jay Bruce RF, Miguel Cairo 2B, Ryan Hannigan C, Travis Wood LHP
Pre-game News and Notes: Pirates @ Reds 4/17
The Pittsburgh Pirates (6-8) will face the Cincinnati Reds (9-5) at 1:10 PM ET.
Right-hander Jeff Karstens will start for the Bucs against righty Edison Volquez.
Karstens is spot starting for Ross Ohlendorf, who was placed on the Disabled list with right shoulder posterior strain. Karstens, who is the Pirates “swing-man”, threw 67 pitches over 3.1 innings on April 8th (after Ohlendorf was pulled from the game with his injury), so he should be able to throw at least 70 pitches this afternoon. This will be his first start this season.
Manager Clint Hurdle told Rob Biertempfel of the Tribune, “We’ll see what he can give us, how efficient he can be with the number of pitches he’s got. I don’t want to put a number on it. Can he get to 100? I think that’d be a stretch. Can he throw more than 70? I believe so.”
Volquez was originally supposed to start on Saturday, but was pushed back a day due to a stiff neck. He picked up his second win of the season against the San Diego Padres his last start. Volquez allowed three runs (two earned) with three walks and five strikeouts over six innings.
News and Notes:
- Swinging a hot bat: Garrett Jones. After going .172 in his first 10 games, Jones has gone 4-for-6 with a home run and two RBI.
- The 7th best prospect in the Pirates system, Rudy Owens, picked up his second win of the season yesterday for the Triple-A Indians. He alowed just one run over 6.1 innings – -five of them were no hit ball.
- The Pirates’ 2010 first-round Draft pick, Jameson Taillon, pitched five scoreless innings in an extended Spring Training game yesterday. Taillon is throwing in extended spring training before joining the Low-A West Virginia Power rotation later this season.
- Jose Tabata is tied for second in the National League with seven stolen bases. Andrew McCutchen swiped his first bag on Saturday, he stole 37 bases last season.
- Speaking of Jose Tabata, he has been putting in extensive work with first-base coach Luis Silverio. MAnager Clint Hurdle has said that he wants his players to be aggressive. Tabata, has stolen seven bases in 13 games this season.
Silverio told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com, “That was one of the things he told me early, that he had problem reading pitchers. Now, he feels really confident that when he takes off, he’s going to make it. After a couple of steps, he maximizes his speed. He has explosive speed. He just doesn’t look like it.”
Pirates:
Andrew McCutchen CF, Jose Tabata LF, Lyle Overbay 1B, Neil Walker 2B, Pedro Alvarez 3B, Garrett Jones RF, Chris Snyder C, Ronny Cedeno SS, Jeff Karstens RHP
Reds:
Drew Stubbs CF, Miguel Cairo 2B, Joey Votto 1B, Scott Rolen 3B, Jonny Gomes LF, Jay Bruce RF, Ramon Hernandez C, Paul Janish SS, Edinson Volquez RHP
Seven run rally, homers, hurt Bucs in 11-2 loss
The Cincinnati Reds rallied to score seven runs off the Pirates pitching staff in the 5th inning in the 11-2 win at Great American Ballpark on Saturday afternoon.
Miguel Cairo reached base on an error by third baseman Pedro Alvarez in the 5th inning, and that’s when right-hander James McDonald ran into trouble. Joey Votto singled to put runners on the corners with no outs. McDonald got Jonny Gomes to strike out swinging and intentionally walked Jay Bruce to load the bases with one out.
After getting behind in the count, 3-1, Juan Francisco hit a single to right field to score Cairo. McDonald left a fastball up over the heart of the plate and Ramon Hernandez hit it into the second deck in left field for a grand slam.
James McDonald told Root Sports, “I didn’t throw the ball well. Bad game.”
“I think I was missing over the plate too much today, gave them good pitches to hit. “
McDonald was pulled from the game in the 5th after throwing 90 pitches. He allowed seven runs (six earned) on nine hits with two walks and two strikeouts.
Manager Clint Hurdle told Root Sports, “I saw him throw six of the cleanest innings you ever want to throw for 5 2/3′s the last time out. So, it’s there. I think this is part of the growth that you are going to see from time to time at the major league level. [When] you leave balls elevated in the big leagues, up in the strike zone, more often than not, they end up in the seats. Or there is damage done, and that’s what happened today.”
So what exactly does McDonald need to work on to bounce back for his next start against the Florida Marlins?
McDonald told Root Sports, “First things first is getting past [my] last outing, refresh your mind and get ready and get prepared for the next start. So that starts tomorrow. I’ll go look at film, start looking at the other things the next team is doing, prepare myself for that game. I think the biggest thing I need to do is focus on my next outing and leave this one there.”
The trouble for the pirates pitching staff didn’t end there. Rookie Mike Crotta came in for relief and allowed a two-run homer to Drew Stubs to give the Reds a 9-2 lead. Crotta’s homer was the first the Bucs bullpen has given up this season. They were one of just two teams in the majors to not allow a home run. A total of seven runs scored and 10 batters came to the plate in the 5th.
Two more runs scored in the 6th inning. Lefty Joe Beimel made his first appearance with the Pirates since 2003 and he allowed Joey Votto to hit a leadoff triple. Jonny Gomes hit a two-run home run — his second of the day, and the fourth homer allowed by the Bucs pitching staff.
Coming off of a great pitching performance by Charlie Morton the night before, James McDonald wasn’t aggressive from the get-go. His only 1-2-3 inning was in the first inning.
McDonald allowed Jonny Gomes to hit a solo homer to left in the 2nd inning to give the Reds a early 1-0 lead. He allowed at least two hits in each of the next four innings before being chased in the 5th after allowing seven runs (six earned).
The Pirates tacked on two runs in the 4th inning. Neil Walker and Pedro Alvarez drew back-to-back walks and Ryan Doumit singled to load the bases. Garrett Jones drew a walk, which scored Walker and Ronny Cedeno hit a sac fly to tie the game at 2.
Mike Leake improved to 2-0 on the season. He allowed two runs on four hits over six innings with four walks.
Nine runs scored combined in the 5th and 6th innings. It marked the first road loss by a Pirates starter this season. The Pirates drop to 6-8 on the season and 5-3 on the road.
Pre-game news and notes: Pirates @ Reds 4/16
The Pirates (6-7) will face the Cincinnati Reds (8-5) at 1:10 PM ET today for the second of a four-game series at Great American Ball Park.
Right-hander James McDonald (0-0, 5.56 ERA) will start for the Bucs against righty Mike Leake (0-1, 6.75 ERA)
McDonald threw 38 pitches in the first frame against the Colorado Rockies in his previous start, but settled in and pitched 6.2 innings. The four runs McDonald allowed in the first were the only runs the Rockies scored off him until the 7th inning (Two runs scored off Rookie Mike Crotta, one earned by McDonald). He struck out three and walked three during his outing.
Leake allowed six runs on nine hits over 4.2 innings his last start against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He walked two and struck out four.
Leake was scheduled to throw on Sunday but was bumped up a day. Edinson Volquez was pushed to because of a stiff neck.
- With the Pirates 6-1 win last night over the Reds, the Bucs snapped a four-game losing streak. They also improved their road record to 5-2.
- The Pirates pitching staff ranks third in the National League with a 3.23 ERA. The only two staffs with better numbers are the San Diego Padres (2.70 ERA) and the Milwaukee Brewers (2.96 ERA).
- Second baseman Neil Walker batted cleanup for the first time in his career. He went 1-for-4 with a two-run homerun and a walk.
- Jose Tabata had his first career four-hit game in Friday’s game. He also swiped his seventh bag (in eight attempts).
News:
- Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com pointed out that earlier this morning, Andrew McCutchen’s name plate above his locker read: McKKKKutchen (He struck out four times in yesterday’s game). McCutchen took the gag in good spirits. It’s great to see the players and the clubhouse so loose.
- The Pirates named Right-hander Jeff Karstens as the starter for Sunday’s game against the Reds. Although it was assumed, Manager Clint Hurdle made the announcement on Friday. Karstens will be taking the place of Ross Ohlendorf, who went on the disabled list with right shoulder posterior strain.
- Manager Clint Hurdle threw out the same lineup top of the order today. Andrew McCutchen will bat leadoff, followed by Jose Tabata second, Lyle Overbay third, Neil Walker fourth and Pedro Alvarez fifth.
Hurdle told Doug Miller of MLB.com, “I try to be more proactive than reactive. Normally, whenever I make a move with a player or group of players, I have a conversation with them about it. I thought about it overnight. We had a good first week, we had a bad second week. I pay attention to numbers, but I also rely quite a lot on my eyes and my gut. In watching those four guys, I thought if I could rearrange them, it would be best for the group.”
- Right-hander Charlie Morton threw his second career complete game last night. He allowed just one run on five hits over nine innings. He also threw 110 pitches, 73 for strikes.
Morton told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com, “It was a day that I will remember forever.”
Pirates:
Andrew McCutchen CF, Jose Tabata LF, Lyle Overbay 1B, Neil Walker 2B, Pedro Alvarez 3B, Ryan Doumit C, Garrett Jones RF, Ronny Cedeno SS, James McDonald RHP
Reds:
Drew Stubbs CF, Miguel Cairo 2B, Joey Votto 1B, Jonny Gomes LF, Jay Bruce RF, Juan Francisco 3B, Ramon Hernandez C, Paul Janish SS, Mike Leake RHP
Bucs drop four straight, lose 4-1 to Brewers
The Pirates as a team to combined for just four hits and struck out 14 times against the Milwaukee Brewers pitching staff in the 4-1 loss at PNC Park on Thursday evening.
Manager Clint Hurdle told Karen Price of the Tribune Review, The number of strikeouts continues to be alarming, the inability to get leadoff hitters on. … We need to get everybody involved to some degree. We haven’t been able to connect the dots from the top to the bottom of the lineup.”
Andrew McCtuchen told Karen Price of the Tribune Review, We’re not hitting, that’s about it. There’s really no explanation for it, we’re just not getting it done.”
The Bucs did not score a run for 23 consecutive innings (going back to Sunday’s game against the Rockies) until McCutchen scored on a wild pitch by the Brewers closer, John Axford, in the bottom of the 9th.
Left-hander Paul Maholm threw a 28-pitch first inning. After allowing a lead off single to Rickie Weeks and a walk to Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder stepped to the plate with one out. Fielder, who prior to the game had a 0.71 average against Paul Maholm, hit a RBI single to give the Brewers a 1-0 lead.
Maholm walked a second batter in the inning before allowing a SAC fly by Yuniesky Betancourt.
The next six innings, however, Maholm was solid. He held the Brewers scoreless after the first and allowed just two more hits.
Brewers Manager Ron Roenicke told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com, “Maholm settled down and pitched really well and changed speeds. He has pitched well for them, and really has had some bad luck.”
Maholm pitched allowed two runs on four hits with two walks and six strikeouts over seven innings (97 pitches). He picked up the loss –his second of the year– despite pitching a good outing.
Paul Maholm told Jenifer Langosh of MLB.com, “I think everybody is looking forward to going to Cincy to get back on the track we need to be on. The] first homestand, everybody is trying to do too much, probably.
“We expect to come in and compete every day. Is it fun this homestand? No. But I can guarantee you that [Friday] we’ll get to Cincy and we expect to win it. And that’s all you can do. Turn the page.”
The Buccos faced lefty Randy Wolf who struck out 10 over 6.2 innings. He held the Pirates to just two hits and walked two.
The Brewers tacked on two more insurance runs in the top of the 9th inning off of Joel Hanrahan. Casey McGhee lead off the inning with a double to right field. Bentancourt singled and McGhee scored on a throwing error by Neil Walker. Former Bucco Nyjer Morgan hit a RBI double to give the Brewers a 4-0 lead, but was thrown out trying to stretch his double into a triple.
The Pirates started a rally in the bottom of the 9th. McCutchen drew a walk and Steve Pearce singled in the inning. Ryan Doumit, who pinch hit for Chris Snyder, walked to load the bases. Josh Rodriguez, who has yet to have his first major league hit came to the plate with two outs. McCutchen scored on a wild pitch thrown by John Axford but Rodriguez struck out to end the game.
A total of 24 runs have been score by the Pirates in the last nine games, just an average of 2.66 runs per game.
The Pirates have lost four in a row. They finish the homestand 1-5 after going 4-2 on the road to start the season.
Kristy Robinson
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