I told myself that I wouldn't post after games, but today's 5-3 loss at the hands of the Chicago Cubs really grinds my gears. Normally a solid set up man, the Pirates Even Meek struggled to even find the plate let alone pitch effectively and in the process wasted the second consecutive good outing by a Pirate starter. First observation, up 3-0 in the bottom of the 8th you cannot, and I repeat cannot walk the lead off batter. Why even bother trying to throw anything off speed to the guy? Why not just pump the guy fastballs? Fukudome who lead off the 8th hit a career high 13 home runs last year. Not exactly an overwhelming threat to go deep, especially with the wind blowing in like it was today in Wrigley. In the end, the walk led to the wild pitch, which was compounded by Overbay's error (Note: Overbay on average has made 5 errors a season over his career, what a crappy time for his first in a Pirates uniform) and the Pirate bullpen's general inability to be able to pitch effectively, all resulting in the first heartbreak of the young 2011 season. The Pirates go for the series victory tomorrow. A win would give them 2 road victories, a whopping 12% of their total road victories from a year ago. Yikes. Here's hoping for a W.
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