Let's hope Charlie Morton keeps on keepin' on; he threw a very sweet game in his final warm-up of the spring, leading the Bucs to a 4-1 win over the Phils, finishing camp with a 2.63 ERA.
He went five innings, giving up an unearned run on five hits with two Ks and two walks. Mike Crotta, Chris Resop, Joel Hanrahan and Jared Hughes (6'7" RHP who pitched for Altoona in 2010) went the last four frames allowing just one hit.
The big blow for the Pirates was a two-run shot by Pedro off Cole Hamels in the second; John Bowker and minor-leaguer Jordy Mercer had the other RBI. Jose Tabata and Jason Jaramillo had a pair of knocks to lead the 12-hit attack.
The Bucs were 3-of-16 RISP and stranded eight, but when the pitchers surrender just a pair of hits, it was plenty efficient enough.
The Bucs will enjoy the win with an off day, and start the games that count on Friday at Wrigley Field. Kevin Correia will face Ryan Dempster. The game will start at 2:20PM and be shown on FSN/Root Sports.
-- The Pirates did their final housekeeping chore today, sending Chris Leroux to Indy.
-- Jim Negrych asked for a deal if he wasn't going to Indy, and he got his wish, going instead to the Marlins for Class A catcher Carlos Paulino. Paulino, 21, started as an infielder, and is a small, fast receiver with good defensive skills but a quiet bat. Neither were Top Thirty prospects, so it's pretty much an organizational move by both clubs.
Showing posts with label pirates camp 2011. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pirates camp 2011. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
It Wasn't Pretty...
Ohlie was beat up again, the Bucs played like a little league club behind him (Dewey threw a ball into center, and Ronny Cedeno muffed a DP grounder), and the result was a 8-5 loss to the Phils, a team that certainly doesn't need gifted with extra at-bats.
For Ross Ohlendorf, it was the same ol'. In four innings, he gave up six runs (four earned), seven hits, a walk and three hit batsmen while tossing 94 not-very-well-aimed pitches. His camp ERA came in at 9.82.
He says that he's ready, but the truth is he hasn't gone five innings once during camp. Ohlie seems lost with Clint Hurdle's emphasis on quick releases and holding runners; it's a distraction to him and leads to some long frames, which doesn't help his teammates in the field. Let's hope the regular season sharpens his concentration.
Mike Dubee, Garrett Olson and Jose Veras shut the door on Philly; Chris Leroux gave up an earned run and Evan Meek an unearned one thanks to Neil Walker's misplay.
Ah well, at least the top of the order still hit some. Neil Walker collected three hits, McCutch a pair, and Lyle Overbay finished the spring with hits in 14 of his past 16 games.
It would have helped the cause if the rest of the lineup could have chipped in; only Dewey had a hit outside of those three, and the team had just five knocks.
Charlie Morton will face Cole Hamels in the final exhibition game today at 4:05 PM.
-- The word is that RHP Mike Crotta will make the 25-man roster; that leaves the last spot the coin flip between Garrett Olson and Chris Leroux. That decision could come down today, unless somebody the FO just can't resist pops up on the waiver wire.
-- The Pirates will have nine holdovers from 2010's opening day roster: Ronny Cedeno, Ryan Doumit, Jason Jaramillo, Garrett Jones, Paul Maholm, Andrew McCutchen, Evan Meek, Charlie Morton and Ross Ohlendorf.
-- Baseball announced a new DL designation. There will be a 7-day slot available now for concussions, a good move by the suits to allow guys time to recover from minor dings and be properly evaluated for more serious blows.
-- RHP Jeff Suppan's pixie dust finally blew away; the inning-eater was released by the Giants yesterday.
For Ross Ohlendorf, it was the same ol'. In four innings, he gave up six runs (four earned), seven hits, a walk and three hit batsmen while tossing 94 not-very-well-aimed pitches. His camp ERA came in at 9.82.
He says that he's ready, but the truth is he hasn't gone five innings once during camp. Ohlie seems lost with Clint Hurdle's emphasis on quick releases and holding runners; it's a distraction to him and leads to some long frames, which doesn't help his teammates in the field. Let's hope the regular season sharpens his concentration.
Mike Dubee, Garrett Olson and Jose Veras shut the door on Philly; Chris Leroux gave up an earned run and Evan Meek an unearned one thanks to Neil Walker's misplay.
Ah well, at least the top of the order still hit some. Neil Walker collected three hits, McCutch a pair, and Lyle Overbay finished the spring with hits in 14 of his past 16 games.
It would have helped the cause if the rest of the lineup could have chipped in; only Dewey had a hit outside of those three, and the team had just five knocks.
Charlie Morton will face Cole Hamels in the final exhibition game today at 4:05 PM.
-- The word is that RHP Mike Crotta will make the 25-man roster; that leaves the last spot the coin flip between Garrett Olson and Chris Leroux. That decision could come down today, unless somebody the FO just can't resist pops up on the waiver wire.
-- The Pirates will have nine holdovers from 2010's opening day roster: Ronny Cedeno, Ryan Doumit, Jason Jaramillo, Garrett Jones, Paul Maholm, Andrew McCutchen, Evan Meek, Charlie Morton and Ross Ohlendorf.
-- Baseball announced a new DL designation. There will be a 7-day slot available now for concussions, a good move by the suits to allow guys time to recover from minor dings and be properly evaluated for more serious blows.
-- RHP Jeff Suppan's pixie dust finally blew away; the inning-eater was released by the Giants yesterday.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Notes On Leaving Florida...
-- The Bucs lost again, 4-3, to the Twins. The important part was how Jeff Karstens did, and his performance was more than solid. He went 4-2/3 frames (five seems to be his limit) and JK gave up an unearned run on five hits with a walk and a whiff.
Garrett Olson and Chris Resop threw scoreless innings; Mike Cotta yielded a run and Anthony Claggett gave up a pair in the ninth to absorb the loss. The regulars got through the game in one piece, and McCutch, Steve Pearce and Matt Diaz had RBI; Pearce, Jose Tabata and Neil Walker scored.
The Pirates take on Philly tomorrow, with Ohlie getting the call against Roy Oswalt. They'll do it again Wednesday, and Friday will start the marathon.
-- INF Josh Fields was traded to the Rockies for a PTBNL or cash, helping to ease the crush at Indy a bit.
-- Rule 5 give-away RHP Nathan Adcock made the Royals' roster, so it's possible Pittsburgh may not see him again. It's equally possible he may be returned in a few weeks, so we'll see how his status plays out.
-- Jim Negrych, Pitt product and Bucco farmhand, told Cory Giger of the Altoona Mirror that if he isn't assigned to AAA this year, he wants his release from the Pittsburgh organization. The 26 year-old is a Delwyn Young clone; his bat should play in the show, but he doesn't have a position to call his own.
-- The Chief, big RH fireballer Romulo Sanchez, who had a cup of joe with Pittsburgh, saw his rights sold to a Japanese team by the Yankees. The Bronx Bombers picked him up from the Pirates a couple of years ago for Eric Hacker.
-- Local boy INF Josh Wilson was released by the Mariners today.
Garrett Olson and Chris Resop threw scoreless innings; Mike Cotta yielded a run and Anthony Claggett gave up a pair in the ninth to absorb the loss. The regulars got through the game in one piece, and McCutch, Steve Pearce and Matt Diaz had RBI; Pearce, Jose Tabata and Neil Walker scored.
The Pirates take on Philly tomorrow, with Ohlie getting the call against Roy Oswalt. They'll do it again Wednesday, and Friday will start the marathon.
-- INF Josh Fields was traded to the Rockies for a PTBNL or cash, helping to ease the crush at Indy a bit.
-- Rule 5 give-away RHP Nathan Adcock made the Royals' roster, so it's possible Pittsburgh may not see him again. It's equally possible he may be returned in a few weeks, so we'll see how his status plays out.
-- Jim Negrych, Pitt product and Bucco farmhand, told Cory Giger of the Altoona Mirror that if he isn't assigned to AAA this year, he wants his release from the Pittsburgh organization. The 26 year-old is a Delwyn Young clone; his bat should play in the show, but he doesn't have a position to call his own.
-- The Chief, big RH fireballer Romulo Sanchez, who had a cup of joe with Pittsburgh, saw his rights sold to a Japanese team by the Yankees. The Bronx Bombers picked him up from the Pirates a couple of years ago for Eric Hacker.
-- Local boy INF Josh Wilson was released by the Mariners today.
Last Florida Lineup
Jeff Karstens will pitch the final grapefruit league game of 2011 for the Bucs against Minnesota's Francisco Liriano. The game begins at 1:05 PM.
Lineup: Jose Tabata LF, Neil Walker 2B, Andrew McCutchen CF, Ryan Doumit DH, Steve Pearce 1B, Matt Diaz RF, Ronny Cedeno SS, Josh Rodriguez 3B and Jason Jaramillo C.
Pitching: Jeff Karstens, TBA.
The Pirates will leave after today's game to fly to Philly for a two-game set, then it's off to Wrigley for Friday's opener.
Lineup: Jose Tabata LF, Neil Walker 2B, Andrew McCutchen CF, Ryan Doumit DH, Steve Pearce 1B, Matt Diaz RF, Ronny Cedeno SS, Josh Rodriguez 3B and Jason Jaramillo C.
Pitching: Jeff Karstens, TBA.
The Pirates will leave after today's game to fly to Philly for a two-game set, then it's off to Wrigley for Friday's opener.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Bucs Snap Streak, Win 5-4
Paul Maholm worked five innings, gave up five hits, three earned runs, struck out five and yielded two home runs as the Pirates topped the Rays 5-4 this afternoon.
The Rays went up in the second when Kelly Shoppach blasted a solo homer; the Bucs tied it in the third when Neil Walker scored on a McCutch bounce-out.
Ben Zobrist put Tampa back up with a solo shot in the fifth, and Reid Brignac's single that plated Elliot Johnson later in the frame upped the lead to 3-1. Jose Tabata answered with a bomb of his own to make it 3-2.
An inning later, Dewey gave the Bucs a 4-3 lead with a clutch two-out double that sent McCutch and Pedro home. The game stayed that way until the ninth thanks to Joel Hanrahan, who tossed two scoreless innings and K'ed three.
John Jaso tied the game with yet another solo blast, this one off Chris Leroux. The Pirates were handed a gift and the game when third baseman Daniel Mayora threw away a Pedro Ciriaco grounder, allowing Josh Rodriguez to scamper home with the game-ending run.
The Pirates play their final game in Florida tomorrow when they square off against the Minnesota Twins in Fort Myers at 1:05 PM. Jeff Karstens will start for Pittsburgh against the Twin's Francisco Liriano in a warm-up outing in case J-Mac can't go next week.
Then the team jumps on the big bird and flies north to Philadelphia to play exhibition games against the Phillies on Tuesday and Wednesday, then on to Wrigley Field for the opener against the Cubbies on Friday. It's almost showtime.
-- McKechnie Field drew 88,003 fans during the Grapefruit League season, a new home attendance record.
-- The Pirates broke a five game losing streak with today's win, but still have lost nine of their last dozen games.
-- Pirate killer Mike Hampton officially retired. He was 14-3 with a 2.38 ERA against Pittsburgh during his career.
The Rays went up in the second when Kelly Shoppach blasted a solo homer; the Bucs tied it in the third when Neil Walker scored on a McCutch bounce-out.
Ben Zobrist put Tampa back up with a solo shot in the fifth, and Reid Brignac's single that plated Elliot Johnson later in the frame upped the lead to 3-1. Jose Tabata answered with a bomb of his own to make it 3-2.
An inning later, Dewey gave the Bucs a 4-3 lead with a clutch two-out double that sent McCutch and Pedro home. The game stayed that way until the ninth thanks to Joel Hanrahan, who tossed two scoreless innings and K'ed three.
John Jaso tied the game with yet another solo blast, this one off Chris Leroux. The Pirates were handed a gift and the game when third baseman Daniel Mayora threw away a Pedro Ciriaco grounder, allowing Josh Rodriguez to scamper home with the game-ending run.
The Pirates play their final game in Florida tomorrow when they square off against the Minnesota Twins in Fort Myers at 1:05 PM. Jeff Karstens will start for Pittsburgh against the Twin's Francisco Liriano in a warm-up outing in case J-Mac can't go next week.
Then the team jumps on the big bird and flies north to Philadelphia to play exhibition games against the Phillies on Tuesday and Wednesday, then on to Wrigley Field for the opener against the Cubbies on Friday. It's almost showtime.
-- McKechnie Field drew 88,003 fans during the Grapefruit League season, a new home attendance record.
-- The Pirates broke a five game losing streak with today's win, but still have lost nine of their last dozen games.
-- Pirate killer Mike Hampton officially retired. He was 14-3 with a 2.38 ERA against Pittsburgh during his career.
Lineups, Notes
Pittsburgh - Tampa Bay:
Lineup - Jose Tabata LF, Niel Walker 2B, Andrew McCutchen CF, Lyle Overbay 1B, Matt Diaz RF, Pedro Alvarez 3B, Ryan Doumit C, Ronny Cedeno SS and Paul Maholm P.
Pitching - Paul Maholm, Joel Hanrahan, Chris Leroux.
David Price will start for Tampa.
-- J-Mac threw three frames against the Yankee AAA club; he'll get some more work on the last day of camp, and if there are no setbacks, he should be able to pitch when the season starts from the five-hole in the rotation.
-- Clint Hurdle sorta announced his 2011 batting order, although it's not set in stone, and has already lined up his starting pitching. It looks like this:
Against righties: Jose Tabata, Neil Walker, Andrew McCutchen, Lyle Overbay, Pedro Alvarez, Garrett Jones, Ryan Doumit/Chris Snyder & Ronny Cedeno.
Against lefties: Jose Tabata, Neil Walker, Andrew McCutchen, Matt Diaz, Pedro Alvarez, Lyle Overbay, Chris Snyder, & Ronny Cedeno.
Rotation: Kevin Correia, Paul Maholm, Ross Ohlendorf, Charlie Morton & James McDonald.
-- We're guessing that the FO has their opening day roster set, but won't announce it until they see who gets set loose on the final cut-downs around the league, just in case someone juicy pops up on the waiver wire. They also have to determine if Chris Snyder can go or not when the opening bell rings before handing out the 25th spot.
-- Hey, guess who's back in the NL Central? The Nationals have sent Nyjer Morgan to the Brewers in exchange for Cutter Dykstra, Lenny's kid. The bloom faded from Nyjer's rose quickly enough in DC.
Lineup - Jose Tabata LF, Niel Walker 2B, Andrew McCutchen CF, Lyle Overbay 1B, Matt Diaz RF, Pedro Alvarez 3B, Ryan Doumit C, Ronny Cedeno SS and Paul Maholm P.
Pitching - Paul Maholm, Joel Hanrahan, Chris Leroux.
David Price will start for Tampa.
-- J-Mac threw three frames against the Yankee AAA club; he'll get some more work on the last day of camp, and if there are no setbacks, he should be able to pitch when the season starts from the five-hole in the rotation.
-- Clint Hurdle sorta announced his 2011 batting order, although it's not set in stone, and has already lined up his starting pitching. It looks like this:
Against righties: Jose Tabata, Neil Walker, Andrew McCutchen, Lyle Overbay, Pedro Alvarez, Garrett Jones, Ryan Doumit/Chris Snyder & Ronny Cedeno.
Against lefties: Jose Tabata, Neil Walker, Andrew McCutchen, Matt Diaz, Pedro Alvarez, Lyle Overbay, Chris Snyder, & Ronny Cedeno.
Rotation: Kevin Correia, Paul Maholm, Ross Ohlendorf, Charlie Morton & James McDonald.
-- We're guessing that the FO has their opening day roster set, but won't announce it until they see who gets set loose on the final cut-downs around the league, just in case someone juicy pops up on the waiver wire. They also have to determine if Chris Snyder can go or not when the opening bell rings before handing out the 25th spot.
-- Hey, guess who's back in the NL Central? The Nationals have sent Nyjer Morgan to the Brewers in exchange for Cutter Dykstra, Lenny's kid. The bloom faded from Nyjer's rose quickly enough in DC.
Yanks Send Bucs To Fifth Straight Loss 4-2
Well, at least the pitching was OK, even if the results were the same.
Kevin Correia tossed six innings, giving up three runs on five hits, and he struck out five and walked two while throwing 92 pitches. At least he's stretched out for the season. The line wasn't as bad as it looks; he surrendered a two-out, two-run blast to A-Rod in the opening frame.
The Pirates got a run back in the second when Jason Jaramillo doubled in Pedro to make it 2-1.
From there, the Yankees went ahead 3-1 in the fourth on a Chris Dickerson single that brought home Nick Swisher. Neil Walker cut the gap to one again in the top of the fifth with a sacrifice fly to tally Jose Tabata, who had tripled in front of him.
After Jose Veras pitched a clean seventh, Mike Crotta gave up his first earned run of the spring in the eighth on a single, sac bunt, and two-out knock.
The Bucs had ten hits, but stranded eight and were 0-for-5 RISP.
The Pirates play their final home Grapefruit League game at 1:05PM, hosting the Tampa Bay Rays at McKechnie Field, with Paul Maholm taking on David Price.
Kevin Correia tossed six innings, giving up three runs on five hits, and he struck out five and walked two while throwing 92 pitches. At least he's stretched out for the season. The line wasn't as bad as it looks; he surrendered a two-out, two-run blast to A-Rod in the opening frame.
The Pirates got a run back in the second when Jason Jaramillo doubled in Pedro to make it 2-1.
From there, the Yankees went ahead 3-1 in the fourth on a Chris Dickerson single that brought home Nick Swisher. Neil Walker cut the gap to one again in the top of the fifth with a sacrifice fly to tally Jose Tabata, who had tripled in front of him.
After Jose Veras pitched a clean seventh, Mike Crotta gave up his first earned run of the spring in the eighth on a single, sac bunt, and two-out knock.
The Bucs had ten hits, but stranded eight and were 0-for-5 RISP.
The Pirates play their final home Grapefruit League game at 1:05PM, hosting the Tampa Bay Rays at McKechnie Field, with Paul Maholm taking on David Price.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Getting Closer...
The Pirates sent four more guys to minor league camp: Andy Marte, Corey Wimberly, Dusty Brown and Brian Burres. Marte was a small surprise because he had been hitting so well in camp; ditto for Burres because of the scarcity of lefties on the roster. They need to pare seven more players to get down to their 25-man roster.
Who's in (19): Pedro Alvarez, Joe Beimel, Ronny Cedeno, Kevin Correia, Matt Diaz, Ryan Doumit, Joel Hanrahan, Garrett Jones, Paul Maholm, Andrew McCutchen, James McDonald, Evan Meek, Charlie Morton, Ross Ohlendorf, Lyle Overbay, Chris Resop, Chris Snyder, Jose Tabata, Neil Walker
Don't count Joe Beimel against the roster quite yet; the Pirates have said that he won't be ready to start the season. J-Mac and Chris Snyder are also banged up; their status is uncertain.
Who's probably in (4): Jeff Karstens, Jose Veras, Garrett Olson, Steve Pearce.
Who's on the bubble (9): Jose Ascanio, John Bowker, Pedro Ciriaco, Mike Crotta, Jason Jaramillo, Chris Leroux, Brad Lincoln, Scott Olsen, Josh Rodriguez.
Ascanio & Olsen will likely go on the DL; Lincoln is Indy-bound once his bruised arm heals. Crotta probably is too, just because of the numbers game, but has opened some eyes in camp. He or Leroux will get the shot as Beimel's replacement to start the season. Jaramillo's status is tied up with Snyder's health.
Two of the three of the Bowker-Ciriaco-Rodriguez will make the trip north. Bowker is out of options and Rodriguez has to be returned to Cleveland if he doesn't make the MLB roster, but Ciriaco has played the best of the three.
Our guess at the final roster:
Starting Pitchers (5) Kevin Correia, Paul Maholm, James McDonald, Charlie Morton, Ross Ohlendorf.
Scott Olsen will start the year on the DL, and Brad Lincoln will join Indy's rotation after a solid camp.
Bullpen (7) Mike Crotta, Joel Hanrahan, Jeff Karstens, Evan Meek, Garrett Olson, Chris Resop, Jose Veras.
Chris Leroux could bump Crotta for Beimel's spot; both are OK with options.
Not on opening roster due to injury) Joe Beimel
Starting Players (10) Pedro Alvarez, Ronny Cedeno, Matt Diaz, Ryan Doumit, Garrett Jones, Andrew McCutchen, Lyle Overbay, Chris Snyder, Jose Tabata, Neil Walker.
Bench Players (3) John Bowker, Pedro Ciriaco, Steve Pearce.
This gets real interesting. Ciriaco gets the edge over Josh Rodriguez because he can play left or center, as Pittsburgh has no replacement for McCutch or Tabata, but J-Rod's status as a Rule 5 guy could make the difference. Bowker is in just as a lefty off the bench; Pearce is the righty. JJ played well in camp, but he's an insurance policy.
At any rate, it's something to talk about until Friday, when the rosters have to be set.
Who's in (19): Pedro Alvarez, Joe Beimel, Ronny Cedeno, Kevin Correia, Matt Diaz, Ryan Doumit, Joel Hanrahan, Garrett Jones, Paul Maholm, Andrew McCutchen, James McDonald, Evan Meek, Charlie Morton, Ross Ohlendorf, Lyle Overbay, Chris Resop, Chris Snyder, Jose Tabata, Neil Walker
Don't count Joe Beimel against the roster quite yet; the Pirates have said that he won't be ready to start the season. J-Mac and Chris Snyder are also banged up; their status is uncertain.
Who's probably in (4): Jeff Karstens, Jose Veras, Garrett Olson, Steve Pearce.
Who's on the bubble (9): Jose Ascanio, John Bowker, Pedro Ciriaco, Mike Crotta, Jason Jaramillo, Chris Leroux, Brad Lincoln, Scott Olsen, Josh Rodriguez.
Ascanio & Olsen will likely go on the DL; Lincoln is Indy-bound once his bruised arm heals. Crotta probably is too, just because of the numbers game, but has opened some eyes in camp. He or Leroux will get the shot as Beimel's replacement to start the season. Jaramillo's status is tied up with Snyder's health.
Two of the three of the Bowker-Ciriaco-Rodriguez will make the trip north. Bowker is out of options and Rodriguez has to be returned to Cleveland if he doesn't make the MLB roster, but Ciriaco has played the best of the three.
Our guess at the final roster:
Starting Pitchers (5) Kevin Correia, Paul Maholm, James McDonald, Charlie Morton, Ross Ohlendorf.
Scott Olsen will start the year on the DL, and Brad Lincoln will join Indy's rotation after a solid camp.
Bullpen (7) Mike Crotta, Joel Hanrahan, Jeff Karstens, Evan Meek, Garrett Olson, Chris Resop, Jose Veras.
Chris Leroux could bump Crotta for Beimel's spot; both are OK with options.
Not on opening roster due to injury) Joe Beimel
Starting Players (10) Pedro Alvarez, Ronny Cedeno, Matt Diaz, Ryan Doumit, Garrett Jones, Andrew McCutchen, Lyle Overbay, Chris Snyder, Jose Tabata, Neil Walker.
Bench Players (3) John Bowker, Pedro Ciriaco, Steve Pearce.
This gets real interesting. Ciriaco gets the edge over Josh Rodriguez because he can play left or center, as Pittsburgh has no replacement for McCutch or Tabata, but J-Rod's status as a Rule 5 guy could make the difference. Bowker is in just as a lefty off the bench; Pearce is the righty. JJ played well in camp, but he's an insurance policy.
At any rate, it's something to talk about until Friday, when the rosters have to be set.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Bucs Cull Herd, Face Rays
Pirates at Tampa Bay, 1:05 PM; Charlie Morton vs. Jeff Niemann.
Lineup: Pedro Ciriaco CF, Josh Rodriguez SS, John Bowker LF, Ryan Doumit C, Steve Pearce 3B, Matt Diaz R), Andy Marte 1B, Corey Wimberly 2B and Charlie Morton P.
Pitching: Charlie Morton, Joel Hanrahan and Jose Veras.
-- The Bucs sent RHP Daniel McCutchen to Indy and assigned RHPs Tyler Yates, Sean Gallagher, IF Josh Fields and C Wyatt Toregas to minor league camp. Everybody in a battle for a bench spot - Ciriaco, Rodriguez, Wimbley, Pearce, Bowker, Marte - is in the lineup today, and many out of their normal position.
-- Joe Beimel isn't on a recovery schedule to begin the season, nor is J-Mac, so we'll see where that leads.
Lineup: Pedro Ciriaco CF, Josh Rodriguez SS, John Bowker LF, Ryan Doumit C, Steve Pearce 3B, Matt Diaz R), Andy Marte 1B, Corey Wimberly 2B and Charlie Morton P.
Pitching: Charlie Morton, Joel Hanrahan and Jose Veras.
-- The Bucs sent RHP Daniel McCutchen to Indy and assigned RHPs Tyler Yates, Sean Gallagher, IF Josh Fields and C Wyatt Toregas to minor league camp. Everybody in a battle for a bench spot - Ciriaco, Rodriguez, Wimbley, Pearce, Bowker, Marte - is in the lineup today, and many out of their normal position.
-- Joe Beimel isn't on a recovery schedule to begin the season, nor is J-Mac, so we'll see where that leads.
Ohlie Rocked Again, Bucs Fall 11-7
Ross Ohlendorf worked 4-2/3 innings, gave up nine hits and five earned runs, walked two and was whacked for three home runs; his spring ERA is an ugly 10.05.
Lyle Overbay and Neil Walker hit back-to-back home runs in the first to give Ohlie a quick 3-0 lead against Baltimore; it would prove way short of the support he needed this night.
Ohlendorf couldn't make it through the fifth before the O's had pounded their way to a 6-3 cushion. Another Walker blast made it 6-4 (maybe they should keep him at clean-up, where he hit for the first time this spring), but the O's kept tagging Bucco pitching.
Evan Meek threw 1-1/3 frames, giving up two unearned runs (Overbay misplayed a ball and Pedro had a bad throw) on three hits. Garrett Olson threw one inning and surrendered three runs on three hits. He walked two and struck out one. Only Chris Leroux, with a clean eighth, escaped unscathed.
Pedro singled in an eighth inning run and Josh Rodriguez drilled a two-run shot in the bottom of the ninth to make the final tally 11-7, bad guys.
Let's hope the spring is just playtime and that the rotation can get it together before April. Otherwise, another long year is in store for the PNC faithful.
The Bucs visit Tampa Bay this afternoon. Charlie Morton takes the hill against Jeff Niemann.
-- Chris Snyder was back behind the dish; if he and Dewey can stay in one piece for the next week-and-a-half, the Bucs will probably head north with just two catchers.
-- Chris Jakubauskas is with the O's now and threw 1-2/3 perfect frames against his old teammates, striking out three. Jaku hasn't given up a run this spring.
Lyle Overbay and Neil Walker hit back-to-back home runs in the first to give Ohlie a quick 3-0 lead against Baltimore; it would prove way short of the support he needed this night.
Ohlendorf couldn't make it through the fifth before the O's had pounded their way to a 6-3 cushion. Another Walker blast made it 6-4 (maybe they should keep him at clean-up, where he hit for the first time this spring), but the O's kept tagging Bucco pitching.
Evan Meek threw 1-1/3 frames, giving up two unearned runs (Overbay misplayed a ball and Pedro had a bad throw) on three hits. Garrett Olson threw one inning and surrendered three runs on three hits. He walked two and struck out one. Only Chris Leroux, with a clean eighth, escaped unscathed.
Pedro singled in an eighth inning run and Josh Rodriguez drilled a two-run shot in the bottom of the ninth to make the final tally 11-7, bad guys.
Let's hope the spring is just playtime and that the rotation can get it together before April. Otherwise, another long year is in store for the PNC faithful.
The Bucs visit Tampa Bay this afternoon. Charlie Morton takes the hill against Jeff Niemann.
-- Chris Snyder was back behind the dish; if he and Dewey can stay in one piece for the next week-and-a-half, the Bucs will probably head north with just two catchers.
-- Chris Jakubauskas is with the O's now and threw 1-2/3 perfect frames against his old teammates, striking out three. Jaku hasn't given up a run this spring.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Get Yer Lineup Here...
Pittsburgh at Baltimore 7:05 PM, Ohlie vs. Jake Arrieta.
Lineup: Andrew McCutchen CF, Jose Tabata LF, Lyle Overbay 1B, Neil Walker 2B, Pedro Alvarez 3B, Garrett Jones RF, Ronny Cedeno SS, Chris Snyder C and Ross Ohlendorf P.
Pitchers: Ross Ohlendorf, Evan Meek, Garrett Olson and Chris Leroux.
Good to see Snyder and Jones back in the saddle; the season is just around the corner.
-- Hey, Andrew McCutchen has been discovered by another writer. David Schoenfield of ESPN MLB's "Sweet Spot" blog joins the McCutch admiration society.
-- The Pirates are worth $304M, the lowest among the 30 MLB clubs according to Forbes magazine. They also claim the team made a $25M profit, which would be nice but looks kinda generous compared to past profit projections.
-- John Raynor, last year's Pirate Rule 5 pick, requested and received his release from the Marlins according to Matt Eddy of Baseball America.
Lineup: Andrew McCutchen CF, Jose Tabata LF, Lyle Overbay 1B, Neil Walker 2B, Pedro Alvarez 3B, Garrett Jones RF, Ronny Cedeno SS, Chris Snyder C and Ross Ohlendorf P.
Pitchers: Ross Ohlendorf, Evan Meek, Garrett Olson and Chris Leroux.
Good to see Snyder and Jones back in the saddle; the season is just around the corner.
-- Hey, Andrew McCutchen has been discovered by another writer. David Schoenfield of ESPN MLB's "Sweet Spot" blog joins the McCutch admiration society.
-- The Pirates are worth $304M, the lowest among the 30 MLB clubs according to Forbes magazine. They also claim the team made a $25M profit, which would be nice but looks kinda generous compared to past profit projections.
-- John Raynor, last year's Pirate Rule 5 pick, requested and received his release from the Marlins according to Matt Eddy of Baseball America.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Burres Bopped, Bucs Dropped 10-6
Brian Burres' sparkling spring came to a sudden end today as he was roughed up for six runs on ten hits in five innings of toil today and the Pirates went down 10-6 to the 'Stros.
Another run scored on a Dewey passed ball (he also gave up two stolen bases and was picked off by the Houston catcher Humberto Quintero twice), and Tyler Yates put a cap on the day by giving up a three spot in the ninth on four hits.
The Pirates did hit the ball; McCutch and Pedro went deep; Burres, Jose Tabata and Lyle Overbay also added RBI. The Pirates banged out 14 hits but stranded fourteen runners.
Ohlie takes on Jake Arrieta tomorrow night at 7:05 as Pittsburgh visits Baltimore.
-- James McDonald is expected to miss one regular season start before rejoining the team. Jose Ascanio threw BP and Chris Snyder is about ready to resume action.
-- If the Bucs expect to keep Josh Rodriguez via a deal, they might have to think twice. Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer writes "The Indians expect to get infielder Josh Rodriguez, the first pick in December's Rule 5 draft, back from the Pirates before the end of camp. Rodriguez played shortstop and second base for Class AAA Columbus last year and the Indians are in dire need of upper level shortstops."
-- Ollie Perez landed on his feet after being released by the Mets; the Nats claimed him. They're also said to be looking to unload another ex-Buc, Nyjer Morgan. They come, they go...
Another run scored on a Dewey passed ball (he also gave up two stolen bases and was picked off by the Houston catcher Humberto Quintero twice), and Tyler Yates put a cap on the day by giving up a three spot in the ninth on four hits.
The Pirates did hit the ball; McCutch and Pedro went deep; Burres, Jose Tabata and Lyle Overbay also added RBI. The Pirates banged out 14 hits but stranded fourteen runners.
Ohlie takes on Jake Arrieta tomorrow night at 7:05 as Pittsburgh visits Baltimore.
-- James McDonald is expected to miss one regular season start before rejoining the team. Jose Ascanio threw BP and Chris Snyder is about ready to resume action.
-- If the Bucs expect to keep Josh Rodriguez via a deal, they might have to think twice. Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer writes "The Indians expect to get infielder Josh Rodriguez, the first pick in December's Rule 5 draft, back from the Pirates before the end of camp. Rodriguez played shortstop and second base for Class AAA Columbus last year and the Indians are in dire need of upper level shortstops."
-- Ollie Perez landed on his feet after being released by the Mets; the Nats claimed him. They're also said to be looking to unload another ex-Buc, Nyjer Morgan. They come, they go...
Monday, March 21, 2011
Slumber Company
Paul Maholm turned in one of his typical bend-but-don't-break starts - six innings, two runs, nine hits, two walks and five K's - but to no avail as the Bucco bats were again in the deep freeze, generating just six hits in a 4-1 loss to the Twins.
The Pirates only went down on strikes twice, but grounded out 15 times, and bounced into two DPs.
Pittsburgh scored first when the sizzling Jason Jaramillo brought home Matt Diaz in the second. The lead didn't last long; Joe Mauer singled in the tying tally in the third. Maholm was in trouble in the fifth, but got away with just one run coming home on a Delmon Young 6-4-3 twin killing. It got him out of a pickle, but ended up driving home the eventual winning run.
That's how it stayed until the top of the ninth. Jose Veras and Garrett Olson kept the Twins quiet in the two earlier frames, but Anthony Claggett gave up a pair on two hits and a walk. It wasn't as bad an outing as it seems. One hit was a fly that dropped between two outfielders, and a run scored on Pedro Ciriaco's two-out boot at short.
The Pirate's have their second and last off-day of camp tomorrow. Houston will come to McKechnie Field Wednesday for a 1:05 PM tilt. Brian Burres will start for the Pirates against J.A. Happ.
-- The Pirates were counting on getting Rule 5 RHP Nathan Adcock back from the Royals. They still might, but he's deep into camp and has a good shot at sticking, according to Tim Dierkes of MLB Rumors.
The Pirates only went down on strikes twice, but grounded out 15 times, and bounced into two DPs.
Pittsburgh scored first when the sizzling Jason Jaramillo brought home Matt Diaz in the second. The lead didn't last long; Joe Mauer singled in the tying tally in the third. Maholm was in trouble in the fifth, but got away with just one run coming home on a Delmon Young 6-4-3 twin killing. It got him out of a pickle, but ended up driving home the eventual winning run.
That's how it stayed until the top of the ninth. Jose Veras and Garrett Olson kept the Twins quiet in the two earlier frames, but Anthony Claggett gave up a pair on two hits and a walk. It wasn't as bad an outing as it seems. One hit was a fly that dropped between two outfielders, and a run scored on Pedro Ciriaco's two-out boot at short.
The Pirate's have their second and last off-day of camp tomorrow. Houston will come to McKechnie Field Wednesday for a 1:05 PM tilt. Brian Burres will start for the Pirates against J.A. Happ.
-- The Pirates were counting on getting Rule 5 RHP Nathan Adcock back from the Royals. They still might, but he's deep into camp and has a good shot at sticking, according to Tim Dierkes of MLB Rumors.
Today's Scorecard & Notes
The Pirates take on the Twins at McKechnie Field at 1:05 PM. Paul Maholm will take on Minnesota's Brian Duensing.
Lineup: Andrew McCutchen CF, Niel Walker 2B, Steve Pearce LF, Lyle Overbay 1B, Matt Diaz RF, Pedro Alvarez 3B, Josh Rodriguez SS, Jason Jaramillo C and Paul Maholm P.
Pitching: Paul Maholm, Chris Resop, Jose Veras and Sean Gallagher.
-- Garrett Jones has missed the past few days; the FSN guys said he bruised a shoulder, other reports claimed that he had a stiff neck. Either way, he took several at-bats in the minor league game yesterday and should be back in the saddle soon.
-- Dejan Kovacevic of the Post Gazette reported that Neal Huntington told him: "Scott Olsen is out of the competition for a starting spot within the Pirates' rotation, and the lefty may even be out of the bullpen competition for the time being."
-- IF Garrett Atkins has been unconditionally released by the Pirates. He had an opt-out clause in his minor league contract if he didn't make the roster, so it was just a question of when. Atkins hit .129 this spring, going 4-for-31.
-- LHP Justin Thomas and RHP Fernando Nieve were assigned to minor league camp and a probable ticket to Indy.
Camp is beginning to take on a little focus this week.
-- Ollie Perez was released by the Mets today; they still owe him $12M for the 2011 season. Holy Matty Morris!
Lineup: Andrew McCutchen CF, Niel Walker 2B, Steve Pearce LF, Lyle Overbay 1B, Matt Diaz RF, Pedro Alvarez 3B, Josh Rodriguez SS, Jason Jaramillo C and Paul Maholm P.
Pitching: Paul Maholm, Chris Resop, Jose Veras and Sean Gallagher.
-- Garrett Jones has missed the past few days; the FSN guys said he bruised a shoulder, other reports claimed that he had a stiff neck. Either way, he took several at-bats in the minor league game yesterday and should be back in the saddle soon.
-- Dejan Kovacevic of the Post Gazette reported that Neal Huntington told him: "Scott Olsen is out of the competition for a starting spot within the Pirates' rotation, and the lefty may even be out of the bullpen competition for the time being."
-- IF Garrett Atkins has been unconditionally released by the Pirates. He had an opt-out clause in his minor league contract if he didn't make the roster, so it was just a question of when. Atkins hit .129 this spring, going 4-for-31.
-- LHP Justin Thomas and RHP Fernando Nieve were assigned to minor league camp and a probable ticket to Indy.
Camp is beginning to take on a little focus this week.
-- Ollie Perez was released by the Mets today; they still owe him $12M for the 2011 season. Holy Matty Morris!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Bucs Outpitch 'Stros 3-1
Hey, maybe Charlie Morton learned his lesson last spring...or maybe Joe Kerrigan's not around to confuse him anymore.
Whatever the reason, Morton has pitched pretty solidly this spring. He went six innings today, giving up four hits, no runs, and K'ing 5 as Pittsburgh won 3-1 over Houston, lowering his spring ERA to 1.29. And believe us, that's the kinda pitching the Pirates are gonna need.
All the runs needed were provided in the second inning when Ronny Cedeno's second spring blast brought home Josh Fields, who had doubled. The Bucs tacked on another in the third on a Dewey three-bagger that chased home Andy Marte.
Evan Meek and Chris Leroux up goose eggs until the ninth, when Mike Crotta gave up his first run of the year (it was unearned, thank you, Benji Gonzalez) while closing out the win.
Paul Maholm is slated to pitch the first six innings Monday against the Twins.
-- Minor league SS Benji Gonzalez came into the game today in the seventh inning and made four fielding errors and struck out. Quite the debut, hey?
-- Jameson Taillon made his spring debut today in minor league camp. He pitched two innings against the New York Yankees’ Class A team and gave up one run on three hits; he struck out two.
-- James McDonald had a bullpen session today; if he follows the usual Pirate regimen, he should be ready to go in about a week.
-- Brad Lincoln didn't throw today, his scheduled side-session time. With Morton on fire and Lincoln's arm wrapped in an ace bandage, it looks more and more like Bad Brad, despite a good spring showing, is destined to start the year at Indy.
Whatever the reason, Morton has pitched pretty solidly this spring. He went six innings today, giving up four hits, no runs, and K'ing 5 as Pittsburgh won 3-1 over Houston, lowering his spring ERA to 1.29. And believe us, that's the kinda pitching the Pirates are gonna need.
All the runs needed were provided in the second inning when Ronny Cedeno's second spring blast brought home Josh Fields, who had doubled. The Bucs tacked on another in the third on a Dewey three-bagger that chased home Andy Marte.
Evan Meek and Chris Leroux up goose eggs until the ninth, when Mike Crotta gave up his first run of the year (it was unearned, thank you, Benji Gonzalez) while closing out the win.
Paul Maholm is slated to pitch the first six innings Monday against the Twins.
-- Minor league SS Benji Gonzalez came into the game today in the seventh inning and made four fielding errors and struck out. Quite the debut, hey?
-- Jameson Taillon made his spring debut today in minor league camp. He pitched two innings against the New York Yankees’ Class A team and gave up one run on three hits; he struck out two.
-- James McDonald had a bullpen session today; if he follows the usual Pirate regimen, he should be ready to go in about a week.
-- Brad Lincoln didn't throw today, his scheduled side-session time. With Morton on fire and Lincoln's arm wrapped in an ace bandage, it looks more and more like Bad Brad, despite a good spring showing, is destined to start the year at Indy.
The Lineup
The Pirates visit the Astros for a 1:05 game. Charlie Morton starts against Ryan Rowland-Smith.
Lineup: Jose Tabata CF, Steve Pearce 3B, Neil Walker 2B, Matt Diaz RF, Andy Marte 1B, Ryan Doumit C, Josh Fields LF, Ronny Cedeno SS and Charlie Morton P.
Ya know there are a lot of big boys in the lineup when Steve Pearce is hitting out of the two hole.
Pitchers: Charlie Morton, Evan Meek, Mike Crotta and Chris Leroux.
Lineup: Jose Tabata CF, Steve Pearce 3B, Neil Walker 2B, Matt Diaz RF, Andy Marte 1B, Ryan Doumit C, Josh Fields LF, Ronny Cedeno SS and Charlie Morton P.
Ya know there are a lot of big boys in the lineup when Steve Pearce is hitting out of the two hole.
Pitchers: Charlie Morton, Evan Meek, Mike Crotta and Chris Leroux.
Notes
-- Clint Hurdle said Paul Maholm or Kevin Correia will start Opening Day against the Cubs at Wrigley Field on April 1st. With J-Mac on ice and Ohlie getting pummeled, his options are kinda limited at this point.
McDonald still isn't throwing off a mound, and he's running out of time to be stretched out for the start of the season.
-- Joe Beimel is having pain in his throwing arm again; this time it's a different spot. That doesn't bode well with the season beginning in less than two weeks. Garrett Olsen will get a long look (he's supposed to be game ready by Monday), and Brian Burres has to considered in the mix, especially if Beimel's injury is more than just tightness and Scott Olsen doesn't shape up.
-- Chris Snyder is still not ready to play. If he's not back in action by next weekend, his balky back could well influence the Pirate decision whether to carry a third catcher, at least for the short term.
-- Ollie Perez had another rough outing for the Mets; the word is that they're deciding his future tonight, and he may be released Sunday.
McDonald still isn't throwing off a mound, and he's running out of time to be stretched out for the start of the season.
-- Joe Beimel is having pain in his throwing arm again; this time it's a different spot. That doesn't bode well with the season beginning in less than two weeks. Garrett Olsen will get a long look (he's supposed to be game ready by Monday), and Brian Burres has to considered in the mix, especially if Beimel's injury is more than just tightness and Scott Olsen doesn't shape up.
-- Chris Snyder is still not ready to play. If he's not back in action by next weekend, his balky back could well influence the Pirate decision whether to carry a third catcher, at least for the short term.
-- Ollie Perez had another rough outing for the Mets; the word is that they're deciding his future tonight, and he may be released Sunday.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Bucs Bop Bosox 7-5
The Pirates handed Kevin Correia a 5-0 lead, and it held up as Pittsburgh broke a four game losing streak to take a 7-5 victory from Boston.
Correia went five innings, giving up three runs (two earned) on seven hits with a walk and four K's.
The Bucs scored five times in the bottom of the fourth. Neil Walker reached on an error and Andrew McCutchen walked. Sizzling Lyle Overbay (.405 BA, 3 HR, 8 RBI) drove them in with a double to go up, 2-0. Correia singled with the bases loaded, and a throwing error by Red Sox catcher Jason Saltalamacchia sent the Pirates off to the races and a 5-0 lead.
The Red Sox made it 5-3 their next at bat thanks to a Walker misthrow and a pair of sac flies.
Joel Hanrahan threw a strong inning, giving up a hit and striking out a pair, but Boston pared the lead to 5-4 off Justin Thomas, who yielded a hit and walked a pair of batters in his frame of work.
The hot John Bowker (.300 BA, 3 HR, 7 RBI) gave the Bucs some breathing room with a two-run shot to up the score to 7-5, and Fernando Nieve got through the last two innings, giving up a run on two hits and a walk, whiffing two.
The Pirates will meet the Astros at Kissimmee tomorrow. Charlie Morton gets the start against Ryan Rowland-Smith. It's a 1:05 PM start.
-- It lasted just a week. A record crowd of 6,644 set a new McKechnie Field mark for today’s game, surpassing the March 13th standard set against the Yankees; guess there are a lotta Bosox fans with nothing to do in Florida.
Correia went five innings, giving up three runs (two earned) on seven hits with a walk and four K's.
The Bucs scored five times in the bottom of the fourth. Neil Walker reached on an error and Andrew McCutchen walked. Sizzling Lyle Overbay (.405 BA, 3 HR, 8 RBI) drove them in with a double to go up, 2-0. Correia singled with the bases loaded, and a throwing error by Red Sox catcher Jason Saltalamacchia sent the Pirates off to the races and a 5-0 lead.
The Red Sox made it 5-3 their next at bat thanks to a Walker misthrow and a pair of sac flies.
Joel Hanrahan threw a strong inning, giving up a hit and striking out a pair, but Boston pared the lead to 5-4 off Justin Thomas, who yielded a hit and walked a pair of batters in his frame of work.
The hot John Bowker (.300 BA, 3 HR, 7 RBI) gave the Bucs some breathing room with a two-run shot to up the score to 7-5, and Fernando Nieve got through the last two innings, giving up a run on two hits and a walk, whiffing two.
The Pirates will meet the Astros at Kissimmee tomorrow. Charlie Morton gets the start against Ryan Rowland-Smith. It's a 1:05 PM start.
-- It lasted just a week. A record crowd of 6,644 set a new McKechnie Field mark for today’s game, surpassing the March 13th standard set against the Yankees; guess there are a lotta Bosox fans with nothing to do in Florida.
Saturday Lineup & Notes
Kevin Correia starts against Boston's Josh Beckett at 1:05 PM; the game will be shown on FSN Sports.
Lineups: Jose Tabata LF, Neil Walker 2B, Andrew McCutchen CF, Lyle Overbay 1B, Pedro Alvarez 3B, Matt Diaz RF, Ronny Cedeno SS, Dusty Brown C and Kevin Correia P.
Pitchers: Kevin Correia, Joel Hanrahan, Joe Beimel, Fernando Nieve and Justin Thomas.
-- Steve Pearce is expected to enter today's game as a sub for Pedro and play the hot corner.
-- Brad Lincoln's bruised arm is wrapped; he may miss his next start, although that hasn't been determined yet.
-- Jose Ascanio will throw BP today according to Jen Langosch of MLB.com; if all goes well, he may be able to pitch for real next week, further complicating the Pirates' pitching decisions, as he's out of options.
-- Hard Ball Talk has a vid preview of the NL Central by Tiffany Simons and Craig Calcaterra. They pick the Cubs to win it, and Calcaterra believes the Bucs at best will be a 70 win team, with the potential to lose 100 games again. He says that there's "just not enough there."
-- Jim Callis of Baseball America says if the Pirates take 3B Anthony Rendon or RHP Gerrit Cole in the 2011 draft, they would immediately become Pittsburgh's top prospect over Jameson Taillon. And BA ranked Taillon as the #8 prospect in baseball earlier this year.
He believes there's not much to separate them, writing that "Rendon and Cole are 1 and 1A." Callis feels that Rendon would "compare favorably to No. 2 overall pick Pedro Alvarez, who isn't going to stick at the hot corner for long."
Lineups: Jose Tabata LF, Neil Walker 2B, Andrew McCutchen CF, Lyle Overbay 1B, Pedro Alvarez 3B, Matt Diaz RF, Ronny Cedeno SS, Dusty Brown C and Kevin Correia P.
Pitchers: Kevin Correia, Joel Hanrahan, Joe Beimel, Fernando Nieve and Justin Thomas.
-- Steve Pearce is expected to enter today's game as a sub for Pedro and play the hot corner.
-- Brad Lincoln's bruised arm is wrapped; he may miss his next start, although that hasn't been determined yet.
-- Jose Ascanio will throw BP today according to Jen Langosch of MLB.com; if all goes well, he may be able to pitch for real next week, further complicating the Pirates' pitching decisions, as he's out of options.
-- Hard Ball Talk has a vid preview of the NL Central by Tiffany Simons and Craig Calcaterra. They pick the Cubs to win it, and Calcaterra believes the Bucs at best will be a 70 win team, with the potential to lose 100 games again. He says that there's "just not enough there."
-- Jim Callis of Baseball America says if the Pirates take 3B Anthony Rendon or RHP Gerrit Cole in the 2011 draft, they would immediately become Pittsburgh's top prospect over Jameson Taillon. And BA ranked Taillon as the #8 prospect in baseball earlier this year.
He believes there's not much to separate them, writing that "Rendon and Cole are 1 and 1A." Callis feels that Rendon would "compare favorably to No. 2 overall pick Pedro Alvarez, who isn't going to stick at the hot corner for long."
Friday, March 18, 2011
It Takes Three...
Three outs, that is, to end an inning. And the Bucs had trouble nailing that third out in losing 3-2 to the Phillies this afternoon.
Tuffy Gosewisch rolled a single past the infield, scoring two runs with two outs in the ninth off Chris Leroux to win it. Ben Francisco and Pete Orr started the inning with back-to-back bunt singles against an all minor league infield (Jeremy Farrell - Jordy Mercer - Josh Harrison - Josh Fields) to prime Gosewisch's game-winning bleeder.
To add injury to insult, Brad Lincoln was yanked after taking a shot off the right arm from the bat of Jimmy Rollins. He got the out, and then exited with what appeared to be nothing more than a deep bruise. The team will find out tomorrow if it's anything more serious.
Lincoln worked 2-2/3 innings and allowed one run on one hit and a costly free pass. A leadoff walk followed by a bunt and Rollin's ball move Michael Martinez to third, and he scored with two outs when Shane Victorino greeted cold reliever Chris Resop with a double.
The Pirates scored two runs in the third off Roy Oswalt when Corey Wimberly grounded home a run and John Bowker followed with an RBI double, chasing home Josh Rodriguez and Lincoln. Jose Veras and Mike Crotta tossed three scoreless frames to hold the Bucco lead into the ninth.
Steve Pearce threw out Jimmy Rollins trying to score from right field; John Bowker was also nailed at home.
The Pirates face the Boston Red Sox at 1:05 PM tomorrow at McKechnie Field in a game televised live by FSN Pittsburgh. Kevin Correia will start against Josh Beckett.
Tuffy Gosewisch rolled a single past the infield, scoring two runs with two outs in the ninth off Chris Leroux to win it. Ben Francisco and Pete Orr started the inning with back-to-back bunt singles against an all minor league infield (Jeremy Farrell - Jordy Mercer - Josh Harrison - Josh Fields) to prime Gosewisch's game-winning bleeder.
To add injury to insult, Brad Lincoln was yanked after taking a shot off the right arm from the bat of Jimmy Rollins. He got the out, and then exited with what appeared to be nothing more than a deep bruise. The team will find out tomorrow if it's anything more serious.
Lincoln worked 2-2/3 innings and allowed one run on one hit and a costly free pass. A leadoff walk followed by a bunt and Rollin's ball move Michael Martinez to third, and he scored with two outs when Shane Victorino greeted cold reliever Chris Resop with a double.
The Pirates scored two runs in the third off Roy Oswalt when Corey Wimberly grounded home a run and John Bowker followed with an RBI double, chasing home Josh Rodriguez and Lincoln. Jose Veras and Mike Crotta tossed three scoreless frames to hold the Bucco lead into the ninth.
Steve Pearce threw out Jimmy Rollins trying to score from right field; John Bowker was also nailed at home.
The Pirates face the Boston Red Sox at 1:05 PM tomorrow at McKechnie Field in a game televised live by FSN Pittsburgh. Kevin Correia will start against Josh Beckett.
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