Pirates Game 7 Thoughts: 7-4 Win over Detroit

[Crimson's Ghost]

There was a time when Justin Verlander was the best pitcher in the game. That day has obviously passed us by, but he's still fairly good. He carried a no-hitter into the 6th inning on opening day last week for the Tigers, so that great stuff is still there. That's all well and good, but the Pirates didn't even let him look like a good pitcher today. They frustrated him, they worked the count, they got on base, and they hit him. Very impressive performance for the Bucs. 17 hits overall, 10 off the starter Verlander. This Pirate offense can be scary good when it's clicking, and when their third basemen returns as well.

-- Jon Niese earned his first win as a Pirate today. He wasn't great or anything, but I liked his outing. Two solo home runs is concerning, but overall he worked efficiently against a tough right handed heavy lineup of Detroit. 5 K's - 1BB is a good ratio for him. He caught some bad luck in the 6th inning when a sure double play ball took a bad hop on Mercer, Martinez poked a bloop single to no man's land, and the inning ending double play was called safe on a missed tag by Sean Rodriguez. He overcame it and got out of the inning.

-- The 7th/8th inning combination of Tony Watson and Neftali Feliz continued to be strong. 2 innings pitched, no runs, and 2 K's.

-- Melancon came in and nailed down his third save of the season. Nice play by Freese to get a double play.


-- John Jaso had an excellent game going 2-4. He's showing a lot to me with his ability to go the other way and get hits in left field.

-- Cutch with a quiet 1-5 game. It's nice where they can put up good offensive numbers when he isn't a huge part of it - takes a little pressure off of him.

-- Matt Joyce, who knew? He had good career numbers against Verlander coming into today, and Hurdle played the card and it worked. 2-4 with a 2B and RBI.

-- Marte looked solid today with a 2-5 effort and he produced one of the 6 Pirates' doubles.

-- Cervelli hasn't played his best defense yet, but he's looked good in the batter's box early on this season. 3-4 today.

-- Polanco went 3-5 with 2 doubles. He's so talented, really looks locked in so far.

-- Harrison needed a good game after a rough series in Cincinnati. He went 2-3 today. He also made 2-3 defensive plays Neil Walker just couldn't make. Nice to have some range in the infield.

-- SEAN RODRIGUEZ WALKED TWICE!! I say that emphatically since he only walked 5 times last season. Grabbed a hit today as well.

-- Jordy Mercer's big hit in the second inning gave the Bucs a bit of a cushion.



Pirates play again tomorrow afternoon before coming back to Pittsburgh to finish this home and home series with Detroit. Not sure why the games are in the afternoon, but so be it - I'll have to listen to it on the radio.

[Coach]

I look forward to these recaps. Thanks CG!

[Manfred]

Yes. I agree with Coach. In light of sporadic coverage at best, by the local written and TV media, it's a refreshing take by an interested person, and is appreciated by many of us. The anti bunch, need not respond.

[peytonsaturday]

Love it! Will it be going every game? That is the challenge. lol. Great job CG

[abpk2903]

How long will Morse stay on this roster?

[Crimson's Ghost]

As many games as I get a chance to watch I'll try and do it. Obviously other responsibilities will interfere.....like today.

[Crimson's Ghost]

How long will Morse stay on this roster?

Hmm, I would love to send him packing when Kang returns. Jaso looks competent at first, Rodriguez can handle the position defensively when needed, and I'm HOPING Freese can play there against some lefty pitchers so he can handle the one platoon spot thus leaving Morse unneeded.

[12HankQB]

Yes, very good as always. So I know we're only 7 games in but the Pirates are leading the MLB in batting average (.312) and OBP (.401). They're second in hits, walks, and number of pitches thrown to.

[dougkeklak]

I heard one of the guys from DK Pittsburgh Sports comment on a radio appearance that the Tigers like to play a lot of home day games in April. Weather concerns perhaps? Today being a day game makes more sense because these teams will be traveling back to Pittsburgh for the back end of the home-and-home four game set.

Being at work I was unable to watch but my mom reported much like you CG, that Verlander is just not the ace he once was.

[Manfred]

I heard one of the guys from DK Pittsburgh Sports comment on a radio appearance that the Tigers like to play a lot of home day games in April. Weather concerns perhaps? Today being a day game makes more sense because these teams will be traveling back to Pittsburgh for the back end of the home-and-home four game set.

Being at work I was unable to watch but my mom reported much like you CG, that Verlander is just not the ace he once was.

With the list of ex-Tigers who have come through the 'Burgh in recent years, does this mean we can look for Verlander in black N gold next year, as another Searage project? LOL