Pirates Avoid Sweep Thanks to AJ Burnett

The Pirates avoided a 3 game sweep by the Cincinnati Reds by defeating their NL Central rival by the score of 6-2.  AJ Burnett was the main reason that the Pirates won this game as he was masterful yet again, and proved that he is the "ace" in the Pirates rotation.  It wasn't just the Pirates' stud pitcher that won them the game, the bats finally came alive as they recorded 15 hits in the 9 inning slugfest.  The Pirates continue to hit the ball out of the park on a consistent basis, but this time the pitching held up as Burnett basically gave the Pirates a complete game (8 and 2/3 innings) before Joel Hanrahan had to retire one batter.  The win keeps the Pirates in striking distance of the NL Central (4.5 games behind the Reds) and only .5 games behind the Braves in the Wild Card standings. 

With all that said, the reason that I didn't have alot of posts this weekend was due to the fact that I was traveling back to my hometown of Wheeling, WV.  Its always great to go see my family that I don't get to see as often as I'd like, but the nice sidebar to going home is that I always get to see local coverage of my favorite Pittsburgh sports teams, and I get to hit the links (golf that is).  I was able to watch the final game of the Cubs series, and the 3 game set with the Reds before returning to Maryland and having to listen to the Pirates games on my XM radio.  I must say that I haven't seen a series hold such importance since I was a little kid watching my favorite Pirate, Andy Van Slyke, roaming centerfield.  The Cincinnati crowd was raucous and made for some electrifying TV.  Sure, I wish the Pirates could have at least won 2 of 3, but the fact that they are playing in baseball games with such importance in the month of August is satisfying enough for me.  I'm not the only one that is keeping an eye on this team, anyone within earshot of the city of Pittsburgh has Bucco-Fever!  Everyone is asking if they think they will collapse, will the continue winning, or will they actually be able to contend in the playoffs?!  Its great to see and hear, and I hope those Pirate fans out there are taking it all in.  After watching this team play, they may have to make some adjustments (keeping guys like Josh Harrison and Michael McKenry in the lineup more often), but they are are their way to competing for the division and if not the division crown, then the wild card.  Its a great time to enjoy some meaningful baseball in the Steel City!