Pirates Failure To Cash In & Bullpen Blunders Lead to Loss

Jason Grilli vs. the Diamondbacks = NOT GOOD

The Pittsburgh Pirates had a golden opportunity to beat the Diamonbacks last night, making it a 3 game winning streak and moving to 2.5 games behind the Reds after they lost to the Brewers, but that wasn't to be.  I listened to the game and it came down to 2 major failures, one of this has plagued this team the last 2 months, and the other is rather new:

#1 - The Pirates blew numerous opportunities to drive in multiple runs with RISP.  They had bases loaded with 1 or 2 outs at least 2 times and only scored 1 run out of those opportunies.  Jeff Karstens gets up after a lead off double by Clint Barmes and is unable to lay down a bunt.  This failure doesn't move Barmes over, and he ends up being stranded at second.  Its this pitiful "small ball" play that has plagued this team for the last 2 months and even more.  The Pirates are simply unable to have the clutch hit that will put a dagger directly into the opposition's heart.  They routinely reach for balls out of the zone (Travis Snider) and roll them into routine double plays.  That is NOT the makeup of a playoff contender.  Clint Hurdle needs to address this in a big way or this team will stall out in the regular season or the postseason.

#2 - Even as horrible as the Pirates are hitting with RISP, they were still able to come back and take a 4-3 lead into the 8th inning.  Starling Marte hits the game tying HR and then Neil Walker sends a sacrifice fly that score Travis Snider from third.  Bring on Jason Grilli (Grilled Cheese) to finish the 8th and then bring on the Hammer in the 9th to close the door.  Well, it didn't really happen that way as the D'Backs scored 7 runs in the last 2 innings to make the final score 10-4.  Jason Grilli got lit up for 3 straight hits that led to blowing the lead.  He wasn't done there as he gave up a 3-run HR shortly afterwards.  Now, I can't complain too much because the bullpen has been the shining light for this team this season, and even the best of bullpens are going to blow a game here and there.  Lets just hope this isn't a trend as Jason Grilli (like James McDonald) has not been the same pitcher since the All-Star break.

With all the gloom and doom the Pirates still have alot to look forward to.  Kevin Correia has a chance to prove he deserves to be inserted back into the starting rotation with a rare spot-start tonight.  Correia was the best starting pitcher for the Pirates (besides AJ Burnett) after the All-Star break before being sent to the bullpen.  The Pirates are getting their hits and getting on base, and even though they struggle with RISP, that is something that can improve down the stretch.  Lets hope the Pirates put last night's game behind them and Raise the Jolly Roger tonight! GO BUCS!