RECAP - Pirates - 7 / Rangers - 5

Welcome to The Blitz Mr. Morneau

Pittsburgh Pirates - 7
Texas Rangers - 5

WP - AJ Burnett
LP - Garza
S - Farnsworth (1)


The Pittsburgh Pirates continue to roll on as they completed the sweep of the Texas Rangers yesterday and salvaged what was a horrendous road trip until traveling to Arlington.  After dropping 4 in a row, the Pirates rattled off 3 straight to end their 9 game road trip winning 5 and dropping 4.  The Pirates now head back to the friendly confines of PNC Park for 3 huge series that will certainly play dividends within the division and Wild Card races.  The Pirates currently hold a 2 game lead over the Reds in the Wild Card standings, but still trail the Cardinals by a game in the NL Central division race.  Next up for the Buccos is an 8 game stretch vs teams with losing records.  4 vs the Cubbies, and 4 vs the Padres.  Those 8 games are all games that should be high percentage wins, but as the Reds saw as the Cubs just took 2 of 3 from Cincinnati...nothing is a lock in the sport of baseball.  If the Pirates can win 6 of 8 before the Reds come to town for a 3 game set would be ideal for the Battlin' Buccos.


Yesterday's win was as unconventional as they come, but the Pirates are one of the more unconventional teams that I can remember in near history.  That doesn't mean that they aren't good, just unconventional.  AJ Burnett had a no hitter going into the 5th, and the no-no was broken up as he was nursing a 4-0 lead.  Just when you think the Buccos will skate on to an easy victory, the team decides that isn't the case.  The Pirates were up 4-0, then 4-2, then 6-2, then 6-5, and it wasn't until Clint Barmes (no that wasn't a typo) hit a solo HR to give the Pirates the insurance run to finish the game 7-5.  In a game where Hurdle sat his best player (Andrew McCutchen) and told Melancon he can take a rest day...the Pirates still slugged out a victory.  Yes, they slugged out a victory.  That isn't said too often with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but behind Justin Morneau's 4-5 day, the Pirates collected 12 hits against the Rangers en route to their 84th victory.  Big games are ahead, and my new Pirates hat has been ordered.  I am gearing up for the postseason, and so should you!  Go Bucs!