Upcoming Schedule
5/28 to 5/30 vs. Cincinnati
6/1 to 6/3 @ Milwaukee
After the 4-1 win over Cincinnati today, the Bucs find themselves sitting at .500, and just 3 games away from first place. Let us give thanks.
So looking at our schedule this week, the Buccos are in a similar setting as they were last Monday. They started off facing a solid Mets squad, won the first game, but loss the next two. This week, they're facing a solid Reds squad and have already taken the first game of the series. The Pirates will need to avoid losing these next two, (as they didn't last week), and then go on to take care of business in Milwaukee against a piss-poor Brewers team.
James McDonald was credited with the win today after pitching 8 full innings, tossing 5 strikeouts, and giving up just 5 hits. Walker, Alvarez, and Barajas all had two-hit games. It was actually a decent offensive performance, especially against a guy like Bronson Arroyo. Tomorrow Morton (2-5) will get the start for the Bucs, as they face Homer Bailey (3-3), who has won his last two starts, including a 7 strikeout performance against the Yankees. Now let's see how long we can keep this win streak going. 4 games and counting.
Players to Watch
Charlie Morton - Lost his only start last week against the Mets, but in a 3-1 offensive struggle. That made two straight losses for Morton, but in each of them the Pirates offense has just one run combined. A win for Morton tomorrow is a much needed confidence booster.
Andrew McCutchen - Now that the Pirates are at .500, Cutch might actually have a legitimate shot at NL MVP. Of course, that's quite a ways away, but hey I can dream right?
Pedro Alvarez - Has been way too streaky this season. Has to find some consistency if he's going to have a future in this league. His two-hit performance today was a good start to this week.
PS - My prediction for the NHL Stanley Cup Finals is that the Devils will take it in 6, although I will be rooting for LA because I hate the Devils. Go Kings!
Follow me on twitter @AlexMuchnok
Nice piece Al. I'm on your side about Morton, this is a huge game for him. A loss will kill his morale and we saw what happened last season after he had a few bad outings, he tanked. I'm crossing my fingers on this one.
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