Pirates Take Series Win By Defeating Cubs 8-4

The Pittsburgh Pirates must have been reading the BlacknGold Blitz blog recently, as I stated that they need to win 2 of 3 in their next 2 series with the Cubs and Reds.  Check the first job on that list as completed.  The Pirates won their 2nd game in a row in a game that seemed like it was just waiting for one of the teams to explode, and that team was the Pirates.  Taking a 2-1 lead into the 7th inning, the Pirates had 10 batters to the plate and scored 6 runs in the inning to take an 8-1 lead into the 9th inning.  The barrage began with 7 straight hits, one of which was a three run HR by catcher Michael McKenry (his 10th HR of the year).  In this game the Pirates were able to see some of the players that they recently acquired before the trade deadline.  Gaby Sanchez, the first baseman acquired from the Marlins via trade, went 0-2 with a walk.  Right Fielder, Travis Snider, went 2-5 while scoring a run.  Lets not forget about the usual suspects in this one -Andrew McCutchen - 2-3 while scoring 3 runs, Garrett Jones - 2-2 while scoring a run and having 3 RBI, and McKenry - 2-5 while scoring a run with 3 RBI.  Throw a solid outing by Jeff Karstens who pitched 5 innings only giving up 1 run on 3 hits.  He did his job and let the well-rested bullpen take care of the rest. 

I saw the well rested bullpen due to the fact that AJ Burnett pitched a complete game 1 hitter on Tuesday night.  With the bull pen getting a night off, it would be expected that they would be fresh for Wednesday's game.  In my opinion, there is a wild card in the bullpen, and he is the closer.  Joel Hanrahan is a guy that is streaky at best, and puts too many runners on base for my taste.  I question Clint Hurdle and why he used Hanrahan yesterday with an 8-1 lead.  He had a chance to see newly acquired reliever Chad Qualls (Former Yankee), but instead sent Hanrahan out there to do the following on straight batters - Gave up a Double, Triple, and HR in consecutive batters.  Hanrahan has an average fastball (mid 90s) and a slider that can be erratic.  Sometimes I feel that "the Hammer" is better with a one run lead, compared to a multiple lead cushion.  Again, he isn't used to a 7-run lead heading into a game, but he is the best option at closer on the team currently.  He will just have to do the job down the stretch, because the Buccos won't be able to tolerate blown saves.

Lastly, with the win, the Pirates' record improves to 60-44.  They now have the 5th best record in Major League Baseball.  Pretty impressive.  I can honestly say that I don't think there were ANY Pirate fans that thought the team would (or could) be 16 games over the .500 mark as we entered the month of August.  The good record, the HRs, and the solid pitching is all well and good, but the true test of this team is coming up as they kick off a 3 game series with the Cincinnati Reds.  If the Pirates could somehow manage to sweep the Reds, they would be tied atop the the NL Central, but if the Pirates lay an egg this series like they have in the past, they could be buried behind the Reds.  The Pirates have played well in big games this season, and I expect the same as Wandy Rodriguez takes the bump tomorrow night in Cincinnati.  Its time to RAISE THE JOLLY ROGER!