Lots of Lumber, Little Leather - Bucs Hang On for 10-8 Win at Atlanta

Thank goodness the Lumber Company decided to reincarnate last night. Charlie Morton didn't have much in the way of command, lasting five innings and giving up four runs (three earned). But he did keep the Bravos from posting a run-away frame, something he's struggled with in the past, and kept the slugfest competitive until the Bucs could get into the Atlanta bullpen, the league's worst. The Buccos nicked started William Perez for a four-spot over five frames, then pounded the cavalry for six more runs in the next four innings to dance away with the win.

First, the lumber: Starling Marte had two hits, two walks, three RBIs, three runs scored and hit his 11th homer. Fran Cervelli had the second four-hit game of his career and a pair of RBI. Neil Walker hit a three-run shot to start the attack. Gregory Polanco had two knocks, as did Cutch. Together, they scored three times and drove home a run. In all, the Pirates blooped and blasted 14 hits while still managing to draw five walks. Every starter reached base (although Kang & Charlie had to take walks to get to first).

Smokin' Hot Fran Cervelli (photo: Corey Sipkin/NY Daily News)

Next, the leather: Four errors (The Kid, Jung-Ho, El Coffee and Mark the Shark) led to three unearned runs. Sheesh. However, there were some bright spots - Jordy made a nice grab and turn for a DP, JHK showed off a rocket arm at third, and Starling missed throwing out a runner at second by a blink. And Pittsburgh did spin four twin killings, which probably was a game saver, but the glovework was definitely a mixed bag last night.

Finally, the pitching: Antonio Bastardo tossed a clean sixth as he tries to escape the doghouse. Arquimedes Caminero allowed a run in the seventh in between striking out the side. Tony Watson had a rare off night, surrendering two runs (one earned) on two hits and a walk, lasting just two-thirds of an inning. He was rescued by Jared Hughes, who came in to get the last out. Mark the Shark threw away a tailor made game-ending double-play ball in the ninth (and yes, his miscue cost the Bucs another unearned run), but got another one later in the frame to notch his 17th save.

• Gregory Polanco has a nine game hitting streak, Neil Walker's working on an eight gamer, and Starling Marte snapped an 0-for-21 snap last night.
• The Braves have lost three in a row despite scoring 22 runs.
• The Pirates last 15 wins have all been credited to the starting pitcher. Jared Hughes was the last reliever to earn a W back on May 10th.
• After 54 games, the 1/3 mark of the year, the Bucs are 30-24, on track for a 90-72 record, a .556 win %.