Pirates Sweep Cubs, Edge Closer to .500

Christmas came early for the Pirates this year. Going into the weekend series the Pirates were on pace to score the fewest runs in a season since 1962. Low and behold, the Chicago Cubs came to town. Having lost 9 straight before the series started, the Cubs own the worst record in baseball. After squeaking by the first 2 games winning 1-0 and 3-2, the Bucs erupted for 10 runs on Sunday, their most in a game this season.

I am not sure if it is a record or not, but the Pirates played the first 46 games without a home run in which more than one runner was on base. Pedro Alvarez snapped that streak yesterday by sending a Matt Garza fastball deep into the right field seats. Andrew McCutchen and Garrett Jones added home runs of their own and the Pirates were all smiles as they ended the series sweep with a bang.

Once again the pitching was great. Allowing a combined 6 runs in 3 games, the Pirates remain 3rd in all of major league baseball in ERA. Erik Bedard and AJ Burnett each threw scoreless outings as the Pirates have not allowed more than 4 runs in their previous 8 games. The Hammer continues to look sharp as well, picking up the win Saturday night in one inning of relief. 

With trade rumors heating up for the Pirates closer, each outing he pitches well increases his trade value that much more. But with the Bucs only one game below .500 and 4 games out of first place, don't expect Huntington to pull the trigger on any deals yet.

The first place Reds will be in Pittsburgh for a 3 game set starting today as James Mcdonald will be facing off with Bronson Arroyo. Mcdonald has been the Pirates best pitcher this season, holding a 3-2 mark with an ERA of 2.51. Striking out 52 batters in his last 6 outings ( over 8 a start ), Mcdonald will only need to fan 8 hitters today to move up into 3rd place of the NL strikeout leaders. 

With a large crowd expected to celebrate Memorial Day at PNC Park, the Pirates will look to reach the .500 mark 48 games into the season, a rare event in the past 20 years for Bucs.

Posted by Rick Bauer