Buccos Drop Strange Game to Colorado Rockies

The Pirates didn't get off to the fast start that I expected them to in the friendly confines of Coors Field...instead they continued their hitting woes as their pitcher had their only RBI until Pedro Alvarez's HR late in the game.  The Pirates did a much better job of putting the ball into play, and were robbed of several extra base hits, and base hits by some phenomenal defensive plays.  However, the mental mistakes continued as Neil Walker was thrown out trying to steal second with only one out, and Andrew McCutchen was picked off of first in an attempt to steal.  Throw in a 50 minute rain delay late in the game, and it just wasn't the Pirates' night. 

There might be some hope on the horizon for the Battlin' Bucs as they slide below the 10 game over .500 mark.  The Cincinnati Reds' proven leader, Joey Votto, has to have surgery on his knee and will miss 3-4 weeks of playing time.  Votto hits so well that he bails out the Reds on many occasions.  It would be the equivalent of the Pirates losing 'Cutch' for 3-4 weeks...it wouldn't be good.  If you look at the Pirates schedule the next 3-4 weeks, it winds down like this:

-- 2 more games @ Colorado
-- 3 games vs. Miami
-- 3 games vs. Chicago Cubs
-- 4 games @ Houston
-- 3 games @ Chicago Cubs

All of this before they travel to Cincinnati at the beginning of August.  Looking at those match ups, they should certainly win more than they lose if the baseball gods are righteous.  Tonight the Pirates have Eric Bedard (4-10) versus Frederich (5-6) of Colorado.  The Pirates desperately need the next 2 in this series before they head back to the friendly confines of PNC Park.  I'm sick of writing this and it not happening, but lets hope the Jolly Roger gets raised tonight!