Pirates Make It 2 In A Row By Defeating D'backs

Erik Bedard must have been watching AJ Burnett his last few outings, because he did a pretty darn good impersonation of him when he took the mound against the Diamondbacks.  Burnett (who was awarded the NL Player of the week award) was just coming off back to back pitching gems as he one-hit the Cubs, and held the Reds to 3 hits in 8 and 2/3 innings Sunday.  Bedard took "the bump" as the Pirates returned to PNC Park for a season record 11-game homestand that starts off with a 4 game set with the Diamondbacks.  Bedard gave the Pirates a 3 hit, 7 inning, gem and then turned a 4-0 lead over to the bullpen as they closed the door.  The Pirates got just enough offense to pull out the win, and at this point the Pirates will get a win any way they can.  In my last post I spoke of watching the Pirates recently, and one thing I've noticed is how horrible this team is at driving in homes with Runners In Scoring Position (RISP).  I realize that I've talked about it before, but watching it is a different story than listening to it.  Tonight on numerous occasions the Pirates had runners on 2nd and 3rd, or bases loaded with 1 out and zero runs were scored.  Its something that has to start clicking with these hitters before this team can legitimately call themselves a contender.  Nonetheless, I also realize a win is a win, and I am NOT going to complain about that! 

After the Pirates victory, it turns into a waiting game as they await the final score of the Reds game vs the Brewers.  I feel that at this point I am not looking at any other teams scores except of those within the division.  Some fans talk about watching how Atlanta is doing, but I still feel that this division is up for grabs.  Sure the Reds have one of the best records in baseball, but the Buccos aren't far behind.  The Pirates could certainly get hot and make things interesting in the last month of the season.  I must say though when I returned to my house today I logged onto my computer and did my usual routine.  Checked the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Trib, checked the blog's stats for the day, and then visited espn for the 'Burgh information.  I saw on the MLB tab that the new Power Rankings for the week were released, and was shocked when Pittsburgh was #6.  I could see them being higher, but it just made me happy to see that snarling Pirate logo in the top 10.  True Pittsburgh fans are used to this.  If the Steelers or Penguins aren't in the conversation as one of the best teams in their respective Leagues, then the Steel City Faithful are up in arms with futility.  The Pirates, the city of Pittsburgh, and the loyal fans of the Buccos have long awaited this type of season, and I'm starting to think more and more that the Pirates can contend for the division, and more!
(Editor's Note - The Reds lost to the Brewers last night 6-3, narrowing the gap between them and the Pirates.  The Pirates now stand at 3.5 games out of first place in the NL Central).