Bedard's Quality Start Leads to Pirates 'W'

The Pirates got something they haven't since June 8th...a quality Erik Bedard start that led to a win.  Eric Bedard pitched a great game, and escaped a major jam in the early innings of last night's game in Colorado.  After giving up a lead off triple, Bedard struck out the next 2 batters and got the 3rd to fly out to end the inning.  After that Bedard seemed to pick up his game and retired several innings 1-2-3.  It also helped that the Pirates gave him some solid run support.  The Buccos were down 1-0 until Andrew McCutchen sent a BOMB 442 feet over everything in left field to tie the game.  Then the Rockies decided to show their true colors as they surrendered 4 runs in the 5th inning, eventually leading to a 6-2 final score. 

As a DirecTV customer, I've enjoy the last 6 days because I've been able to watch the Pirates on TV instead of listening to them on my XM radio.  I must say, I'm impressed with what Clint Hurdle is doing with the club.  Last year, after dropping 2 of 3 from the Brewers could have sent this team in a tail spin.  Not because they lost, but HOW they lost.  The strikeouts, fielding errors, and poor game management would have had this team looking for answers.  However, this year is a different story.  The Pirates have been doing a great job putting the ball in play, and again last night, if it weren't for some OUTSTANDING defensive plays by the Rockies, the score could have been worse.  They are "mashing" right now, and that is a good thing for the second half of the season.  If the pitching can keep the score close, this Pirates team has the ability to put together a run that hasn't been heard of in the Steel City since 1992.  Another thing that is amazing to watch is the Pirates' bullpen.  These guys are just flat out good.  When Bedard was removed from the game he had given up a 2 out single, then walked the next to batters in the 7th inning.  Jared Hughes comes in and works the count full, then gets the batter to pop up.  This team seems to have what it takes to keep it together.  The game today against the Rockies at 3:00 (EST) will tell alot about this club.  With "J. Mac" on the mound, a win is certainly within reach.  Lets hope the bats show up and the take a 2 out of 3 series into a day off before heading back to PNC Park to battle the Marlins on Friday. 

Time to RAISE THE JOLLY ROGER!