Pirates Win Series Over Astros;

Well to say the series against the Houston Astros was strange is an understatement for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates defeated the Astros Friday night thanks to a brilliant performance by pitcher Jeff Karstens, who pitched an 83 pitch complete game shutout.

That victory put the Pirates in first place of the NL Cenrtal for, well one night. The Pirates blew a lead in Saturday nights game which blew their one night lead in the division. Andrew McCutchen was awful at the plate, going 0-5. Paul Maholm was inconsistent, and Neil Walker (4-5) tried to win the game by himself.

The Pirates had the victory lined up until Jose Veras came to the mound

Veras walked the leadoff man, which isn't the start you're looking for. After that Carlos Lee grounded out, moving Hunter Pence to second. Pence then stole 3rd, and it looked like Michael McKenry would’ve had a great shot to throw him out but he didn’t pull the trigger for some reason.

The Pirates then moved in their infield preparing for a squeeze play, but Pence still beat the tag, well at least that's what the ump said. Go watch the highlight and see for yourself.  It was very, very, very close and Clint Hurdle was livid and the t.v. angle clearly showed that he was out but of course I’m biased. Regardless, Houston had tied the game.

The Astros went on to win, along with the Brewers and Cardinals, putting the Buccos back in second place.

Yesterday's game was also very strange. Joel Hanrahan blew his first save, and Chris "Slash" Leroux got his first career win. Chris Resop also picked up his first career win. It was also a game in which we saw Eric Fryer, who is 1-10 in his career, get intentionally walked, only to have starting pitcher Kevin Correia come to the plate and drive in two runs.

Jeff Keppinger who just seems to love playing against the Pirates, hit another two-run dinger to give the Astros lead. Message to Clint Hurdle: When playing the Astros do not pitch to Keppinger, unless you have Karstens on the mound!

Moving on into the 11th inning, after Hanrahan blew an earlier save, the Pirates blew the game open. Brandon Wood had a lead-off double, that was followed by a two runs that the Astros pretty much handed to the Buccos The Astros botched grounder to the pitcher, threw a wild pitch, and then there was that crazy collision at first between McCutchen and Carlos Lee. Alex Presley then came through again with an RBI single, and the Pirates suddenly had a 3-run cushion.

Chris Respo then came in to pick up the save and the Buccos enter their big home stand just a half-game back from first place!



Notes from this series: 

Jeff Karstens has to be a Cy Young candiate by now. I agree that he needs more wins but he is second in the NL in E.R.A. and has won twice as many games as he's lost. I think if he gets above 14 wins this year he'll be the frontrunner.

The Pirates need to do whatever they can to make sure Paul Maholm at home. He's clearly a better pitcher at home then on the road. I also hate the way he approaches certain situations. At this point I could careless if the Pirates trade him. Especially if they can get a decent deal for him.

Don't pitch to Jeff Keppinger. That dude turns into Barry Bonds in his prime against the Pirates. I have no idea why.

Hunter Pence would be a great fit as a Pirate.

Andrew McCutchen is just sucking against lefties.

If Neil Walker can get his average up over .300 I think he can me a legitamate MVP candaitate.

I hate Jose Veras.

I think Chase d'Arnuad has great potential but I'm not sure how tough he is mentally. He seems to suffer from Evgeni Malkin syndrom.

Let me know what yinz think. The Buccos have a tough homestand coming up with the Reds and Cardinals. We will find a lot out about this team by next Sunday.

Lets Go Buccos!



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