TV, radio: Root Sports, WPGB-FM (104.7).
Facts/Reaction: Abbreviated preview this time so let's get to it. Great road trip, 4-2 with a good series win against the NL West leading Rockies. Now home against the Astros and the Dodgers. The Pirates need to prove that they are going in the right direction by beating a struggling team like the Astros. Hopefully the Pirates can find a way to win both series and have a successful home stand.
Pitching Probables:
Monday, May 2 - Paul Maholm (1-4, 3.68 ERA) vs. Wandy Rodriquez (1-3, 4.00 ERA)
Tuesday, May 3 - Charlie Morton (3-1, 3.52 ERA) vs. Bud Norris (2-1, 3.03 ERA)
Wednesday, May 4 - James McDonald (2-2, 6.75 ERA) vs. J.A. Happ (2-4, 6.23 ERA)
Stats and Matchup: Well the Pirates already lost the first game of the series last night which obviously isn't a good way to start the homestand. Yes, the bullpen blew the win for Maholm last night and we all know that lead off walks will kill a team, especially when they are basically doubles with a guys like Michael Bourn on first who this season is 12 for 12 on stolen bases. Although the bullpen (which has been good, struggled) there aren't many times that you will win a game when you have 2 runs and 5 hits, with 2 of the hits coming from recent Angel outcast Brandon Wood. The Pirates as a team are batting .232 and only two Pirates regulars are hitting above .263 with the rest of them, including McCutchen, Tabata and Alvarez hitting below .233. Not good. I would have to say that this team is currently overachieving with the lack of offense they are getting and the surprisingly good pitching. I have a bad feeling that the pitching will come back to earth before the hitting gets on the right track. If that happens we could see one of the Pirates signature losing streaks. Lord, please let the bats heat up. Please.
Prediction: Pirates lose Game 1, not a prediction since it already happened. I think the Pirates will win game 2 with Charlie Morton on the mound and Game 3 is a toss up depending on which James McDonald decides to come to the ballpark on Sunday. The Pirates really need to show the fans in the stands that they are a decent ball club. Winning on the road is great and all, but this deer in the headlights crap at home has to stop or they risk losing all 17 of us fans who actually care.
Follett- The Pirates are at .500!!!!! Can't believe it, but pretty sweet! And I feel so optimistic with our much much much improved pitching staff!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I went to 2 Indy Indians games this weekend in Norfolk and they looked sharp i those games. Starting pitchers Brian Burres and Brad Lincoln both looked great--with multiple pitches consistently hitting the strike zone. Also, Alex Presley always looked good--like a good ole days version of Nate McLouth!
Go Bucs!