The two winningest (is that a word?) pitchers in PNC Park history will take the mound against each other as Zach Duke makes his return to face Paul Maholm and the Bucs tonight. After the Pirates were able to come from behind and hand the Diamondbacks there 1st loss when leading after 7 innings, you can be sure that D-Backs are desperate to win tonight’s contest. Their biggest hurdle may be their own pitcher as Zach Duke isn’t exactly Randy Johnson. Duke is 46-71 in his career with a 4.52 ERA, not exactly great numbers. Obviously this will be his first start against the Pirates since being traded in mid-November for minor league pitcher Cesar Valdez. I have always liked Zach Duke, but I was also happy to see him go. His time here in Pittsburgh was full of moderately successful seasons like 2005, when he debuted and when 8-2 as a rookie and also his 2009 All Star Game selection. However, there were also plenty of seasons like last years were he led the majors in losses (15) and had an ERA of 5.72. Tonight, I am happy to see Zach return and I hope he gets a warm welcome from the PNC Park fans. I also hope that after his first pitch he falls flat on his face, loses his command and the Pirates pound him for 7 runs, on 10 hits in 3 2/3 innings pitched. That would be the best welcome home present the Pirates could offer.
Prediction: Pirates win 9-2. Let’s Go Bucs!
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