Monday, March 7, 2011

Rays Drop Bucs 4-2

Matt Diaz, who stranded five runners yesterday, showed what the Pirates hoped for today by mashing a two-run homer.

Unfortunately, the other Bucco bats were in the deep freeze for the second straight game and the squad dropped a 4-2 decision to Tampa Bay this afternoon. David Price and company held Pittsburgh to six hits on the heels of yesterday's four hit performance.

The Pirates also shot themselves in the foot by being thrown out stealing twice in three attempts; Ronny Cedeno was the only successful larcenist. Chris Snyder evened things up by gunning two of the three Rays who tried to swipe a base on his watch. Hurdle's runnin' Buccos have stolen 16 bases in 21 attempts, a 76% success rate.

Ohlie did OK, going three innings and giving up a run on three hits with a walk and two Ks while mixing some off-speed stuff into the repertoire. Evan Meek had a solid return, too, pitching a scoreless frame, as did Mike Crotta.

Tyler Yates gave up a pair in his 2/3 of an inning on the hill, and Jose Veras was touched for the other run in his frame; both hurt their own cause by issuing a pair of walks apiece. Danny Moskos went 1-1/3 scoreless innings, despite surrendering a walk and three hits.

The Pirates (5-7) visit the Twins tomorrow. Brian Burres starts against Minnesota's Carl Pavano, who the Pirates were flirting with in the off-season. The Twins and Pirates will first play a "B" game, with Brad Lincoln starting and Steve Pearce playing third base.

-- OF John Bowker has some soreness in his left wrist; it's not considered to be anything serious and he should return to action in a couple of days.

-- Rule 5 IF Josh Rodriguez reported some tightness in his right quad; he may miss up to week of play. That can't help his quest to land a roster spot.

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