Reds Defeat Pirates 3-0 in 1st of 3 Game Series

I told my father after watching the 3-0 loss between the Pirates and Reds this - "This is what happens when the Pirates don't hit Home Runs", and he agreed with me.  When the Pirates gear up the long ball there aren't many teams in MLB that can compete with them, but as you saw on Friday night, when they aren't hitting the long ball, their offense is down right putrid.  They might be the worst "small ball" clubs that I've ever seen, and hitting with runners in scoring position (RISP) is a downright disgrace.  The Pirates' faithful are "freaking out" today after they were shut out by Latos (pitcher for the Reds).  I'm here to tell you that things can work out.  I can see the Pirates picking up the last two games of this series, and possibly doing it in dramatic fashion.  The Reds' ball park is built for the long ball, and no one is more excited about that than the "Bucco Bombers". 

The Pirates send James McDonald to the mound today in an attempt for him to get his 11th win of the season.  I have been down on "J Mac" since the All-Star break, but this will be a great test for him to see if he is capable of bringing his 'A' game when it matters the most.  I'm going to put my faith in Clint Hurdle and James McDonald in this one and hope that the Pirates respond after their 3-0 loss.  One of the things that I'm excited to see is who will the Pirates hit by a pitch tonight.  Andrew McCutchen got beaned by a 101mph fastball last night, and don't think the Pirates' pitching staff didn't notice.  Yes, I would send a message, and this series might be ugly...but I think that favors the Pirates.  The Reds are a flashy team that likes to get ahead.  If the Pirates can take the lead and hold it, they have a great chance of getting the best of the Reds.  Lets hope "J Mac" returns to pre-All-Star Break form and puts the Reds down tonight for this 11th win!  Time to Raise the Jolly Roger!