Pirates Game 29 Thoughts: Pirates beat the Cardinals 4-2

[Crimson's Ghost]

The Pirates snapped a four game losing streak tonight with a win over NL Central rival, the St. Louis Cardinals.  Although it was only 4 games, it just felt like it was longer than that.  The Cubs series was rough to watch, and it's clear Chicago is for real. That's going to be an uphill battle all season long. 


-- Francisco Liriano notched his second double digit strikeout game of the season, and both of them have come against the St. Louis Cardinals.  He was very good tonight with only 2 walks and 2 runs allowed in 7 innings.  The Pirates starting pitching has been an adventure almost every game this year, so it's refreshing to get a start like this. 

-- Tony Watson hasn't been his shutdown self this season yet. He put two guys on, but worked out of it to put up a scoreless 8th.  

-- Mark Melancon made things a little interesting, but notched his 8th save of the season. 



-- John Jaso went 1-4 with a strikeout. Jaso's average has come down the past few games, but that's to be expected as a leadoff guy. 

-- Andrew McCutchen was a quiet 1-4 himself.  He's working a .230 average on the season. 

-- Gregory Polanco went 1-3 in his new spot in the order. He scored a run, and drew a walk.  He was 11th in the league in OBP coming into tonight.  

-- Starling Marte went 2-4 and is fourth in the NL in total hits this season.  He's having a quiet, solid season. 

-- Cervelli was 0-2, but drew 2 walks. I thought he had a third walk, but the umpire called it strike 3. 

-- So, um.....JUNG-HO KANG!!  First game back 2-4, 2 homers and 3 RBI.  This is the story here.  I imagine they will slowly acclimate him for now, but it sure looks like he's healthy.  Made some nice stops at third, but didn't quite finish the plays.  He looked healthy and locked in.    Now think about this, if Kang is starting...your bench is now Freese, Rodriguez, Joyce, and Stewart.  All of those guys have been very good to date. 

-- Harrison was 1-4 with an RBI single early in the game.

-- Mercer was held to an 0-4 performance. 



The Pirates are back in action tomorrow with a 2:15 game against the Cardinals as Jeff Locke will oppose Adam Wainwright.  Normally that's a starting pitching matchup you cringe seeing (and it still may be), but Locke has been good his past two starts.  I'm interested to see if he can do it again.   Taillon is knocking on the door, and Glasnow is pretty dang close himself.  Locke has little for error, but is pitching like his job is in jeopardy, and that's been a good thing. 


4-0 against the Cardinals this season. 

[peytonsaturday]

Love these little write ups you do. Going to be selfish a little bit........disappointed (not literally before people get their underwear in a twist) these aren't up for every game the next day.

[Crimson's Ghost]

Thanks, I'd like to do them more frequently, sometimes other things come up. This 7:05 for three games against the Reds fits into my schedule. 

[dougkeklak]

I concur, love these!

Loved the return of JHK. Heard the first dinger on the radio in the car and just missed seeing the second one when we got home.

I think the Buccos are going to be chasing/waiting for the Cubs (to cool off). And just like with the Cards last year, if you're waiting around or hoping for that to happen, don't hold your breath. They are going to have to handle their business head-to-head.

As for this upcoming series with the Reds, my opinion, a sweep is necessary. Outside of Votto and BP, the Reds' roster is an abomination. Have to take advantage of the teams you're better than.