Big Joe kept the string of strong starts going. (photo Pittsburgh Pirates) |
With an out in the fifth, the Baby Bruins used a bunt single and a well-executed hit-and-run to occupy the corners. A whiff and pop to center left them there. Musgrove beat out a bunt with an out (although it took a challenge to get the call) with Jesse Chavez on the hill, followed by Corey D's single. The Bucs left them there as Jason Heyward made a nice grab of Gregory's liner that hung up just long enough for the snag. Then Heyward opened the sixth with a soft roller to second; he was originally rung up but won a reversal after a review. (Both challenges were pretty obvious overturns; the first base ump, Chad Fairchild, is having a tough day). He moved up on another gentle grounder but advanced no further. Amore singled with an out; his other three mateys fanned. With two away in the seventh, Fraze muffed a ball, but J-Grove was dealing and all it cost was one more pitch. Brandon Kintzler gave up a two-out double to the smokin' Corey D, but Starling fanned. Big Joe's night was done, giving up a run on five hits with seven K after 87 tosses.
Kyle Crick took the ball in the eighth and gave up a Zobrist leadoff single. A tapper moved him up but he was left at second. Jorge De La Rosa answered the bell, and the Pirates got a walk and a knock with two away but failed to cash in. Felipe Vazquez took the ball and J-Hay took over at second. The Nightmare was nasty, striking out a pair in a clean frame. RTJR!
Fraze's two-bagger was the key blow of the game. (photo Pittsburgh Pirates) |
Nice to get a win after such good pitching. The offense for both clubs is on vacation - each side has scored three runs in three games. The Bucs have scored in one inning so far during this set, but at least today they showed a little patience at the dish, though hitting fat fastballs is still a problem. Starling is especially mired in tough times; we wonder if he'll get a sit-down, even with Clint's patience with vets. Pittsburgh will go for the split tomorrow afternoon.
Notes:
- Corey D went 3-for-3 with a walk, Fraze had a 2-for-4 night with a clutch double, Cervy had a hit & two walks while J-Bell had a knock & a walk.
- Fireworks, the Bucs, and a nice summer night drew a crowd of 35,100 to the ol' yard tonight despite the five game skid.
- The Pirates snapped a 24-inning scoreless streak with Fraze's RBI double.
- LHP Daniel Zamora, 25, was called up by the Mets. He's the Altoona pitcher that the Bucs sent to NY for Josh Smoker during the off season.
- Frankie Liriano reportedly cleared waivers. His ERA is an ugly 4.72, but he’s held left-handed hitters to a .141/.247/.239 slash, so if someone's looking for a LOOGY...
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