Inconsistent Buccos Defeat Dodgers to Avoid Sweep



AJ Burnett + Pittsburgh = Perfect Fit

Wasn't this the same story as when the Pirates played the Padres?  They win the last game of the series to avoid a sweep?  Unfortunately, it is the state of the Pirates as they continue their inconsistent play, both at the plate and especially on the mound.  The Dodgers stuck it to the Pirates in the once-friendly confines of PNC Park for 3 games, and if it weren't for Garrett "G.I." Jones hitting two 3-run HRs, then there is a chance the Pirates get swept by the Dodgers. 

I could talk about how the Pirates lack consistent pitching, can't play fundamental small ball, but I've written those articles over and over again.  Instead, I'd like to talk about how much I enjoy watching/listening to AJ Burnett pitch for the Black n' Gold.  There are times when Burnett looks like Cool Hand Luke as he trolls the mound and pitches with that "no nonsense" attitude.  Then there are times where you see the AJ Burnett that reminds me of the average Pittsburgher with tons of tattoos, rides a motorcycle, and goes nuts during a game.  Sure, we all know Burnett has plenty of "tats" that are showing when he pitches for the Pirates, but that isn't why he reminds me of the local "jag-off" at the bar yelling.  Did anyone else see the exchange between Burnett and Hanley Ramirez during yesterday's game?  Ramirez had hit a HR off Burnett earlier in the game and did his famous "owl eyes" (or whatever that nut-job calls it) as he rounded the bases.  Next at bat for the Dodger infield resulted in Burnett striking him out swinging.  As Ramirez threw his bat, you could see AJ Burnett mouthing the following "Sit the F--K down!".  As a Pittsburgh fan, I LOVE THAT!  For a professional player to show that emotion and that kind of "fire" is rare.  That is one of the reasons why I LOVED Joey Porter.  Players that wear there emotions on their sleeves are beloved in the Steel City and the city has definitely embraced the tattoo-wearing Burnett. 

More on Burnett.  He was the first pitcher since PNC Park was built to have 15 wins in a season.  Burnett has been a solid starter for the Pirates this year and its been since Todd Ritchie (in 1999) went 15-9 through the duration of the season.  Burnett is going to have plenty of opportunities to come close to winning 20 games this season, and that would be remarkable.  AJ Burnett has been the rock for this rotation, and hopefully these young pitchers, and young position players watch what he does and how he conducts himself.  It will only lead to success in the future. 

The Pirates throw James McDonald on the mound against the "Red Birds" in St. Louis.  This is a big series for the Pirates to win.  After the 3 game St. Louis series the Pirates travel to San Diego to face the Padres in a 3 game set before coming back to PNC for a set with the Brewers.  This is a crucial point of the season for the Pirates.  The first REAL sign of adversity...it will be interesting to see how this team responds.