Battlin' Buccos Complete Another Comeback Victory

These 2012 Pirates are something to watch.  Every time you think that they are completely out of a game, and have no chance of winning...here come the bats and the big hits at crucial times.  Last night was no exception.  This time, down 3-1 to the Miami Marlins, the Pirates used the long ball once again to propel them into a 4-3 lead that would hold up, and give them their 52 win on the season.  Pedro Alvarez continues his "Home Run or Strikeout" hitting routine, and Neil Walker belted his 8th HR that would be the go-ahead / game winning run. 

These Pirates are looking like a solid ball club more and more each day, but it isn't like their aren't flaws within this team.  It seems like every NL team in contention has its potential flaws.  I see the biggest one in the team's closer, Joel Hanrahan.  He is a 2 pitch closer with a fastball that registers in the mid to upper 90s, and a slider that is nothing more than an out pitch.  Rarely ever does "the Hammer" throw the slider for a strike.  That isn't the issue...to me, the issue is that Hanrahan has horrible accuracy at times and puts way to many batters on base in a save situation.  Last night was the perfect example.  A base hit, and a walk put runners on the corners with only 1 out.  After a strikeout, there were runners on 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs, and luckily Hanrahan was able to gear back a 96 mph fastball that blew the doors off the hitter.  I will say Hanrahan has looked better after the All-Star Break than he did before it, but there were times this year when I'd rather see Jason Grilli as the closer because he has better stuff and wasn't walking batters. 

The Pirates now face the Marlins 2 more times before hosting the Cubs for a 3 game stretch.  After starting this homestand 1-0, I feel that the Pirates should at least be able to go 4-2 on this homestand, and hopefully with a little help from NL opponents, take the lead in the NL Central from the Reds.  I will say this, the Pirates are the talk of the town for once in the Steel City, and I am glad to see that baseball is relevant again.  Just think, if the Pirates become competitive, then the 'Burgh would have 3 contenders in its professional sports teams...and there is nothing sweeter to think of if you are a true Pittsburgh fan!