Saturday, July 2, 2011

Pirates @ Nationals : Doubleheader

Tough loss by the Pirates last night and even though the offense scored only one run, I think that we can put this loss on Clint Hurdle and his management of the bullpen.  Hurdle brought in Tim Wood (with Hanrahan and Veras ready to pitch) in the bottom of the 9th and he promptly let up a single, threw a wild pitch, walked a batter, let up a sacrifice fly and then threw a belt high fastball that Matt Stairs drove into right field for a walk off single.  I have no idea why Hurdle stuck with Wood after he clearly didn't have it and honestly he hasn't ever had it so it wouldn't surprise me if he is back in the minors soon.  Today the Pirates play a double header with James McDonald pitching Game 1 and Brad Lincoln, making his season debut, pitching the night cap.  Lincoln has thrown relatively well down in Indianapolis and deserves a shot to make a spot start.  Hopefully, he pitches well and makes the decision to send him down extremely difficult.  The first game is currently under way as I right this and at this point in the game, Alex Presley is 2 for 2 and Chase d'Arnaud has a stolen base.  I know I have said this before but I love the way these guys play.  Hopefully, the Buccos can find a way to win both of today's contests and push their record to 3 games over .500.  Let's Go Bucs!

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