Pirates Game 19 Thoughts: 12-10 Win over Arizona

[Crimson's Ghost]

Wow, just what a wild and weird baseball game we just witnessed.

5 1/2 hours, 43/50 players used, Arizona had a pitcher playing the field, 2 blown saves by the Pirates and yet...they won. It's definitely a game you are happy to win, but a loss there would have really stung with the late inning blunders by normally reliable pitchers.


-- Liriano pitched generally well, he struggled a bit but settled down and gave them some good innings after the home run he allowed. I'm not overly concerned with him long term. He pitches in a way that sets himself up for shaky streaks like this.

-- Just not sure what's going to happen to Vogelsong. They tried getting him work, and he just wasn't sharp. If he couldn't even beat out Locke or Nicasio for jobs in the rotation - he must not be good at all. Once the Taillon's and Glasnow's get here, I'd imagine he gets a release....if not sooner.

-- Watson quietly did his job tonight to set up for a Melancon save. He obviously blew the opportunity, his first of the year, and that's what set this game into extra. These two are usually reliable, I won't harp on them just yet. But when you hang your hat on the strength of your bullpen - I can see why people are anxious.

-- Lobstein looked real good - who knew? Feliz....not so much. He struck out the side, but did not pitch to contact well at all. He has tools, and is still getting things straight - I think he'll do some good things for this bullpen this season.

--Caminero came in and shut the door with some fastballs against a defeated looking Arizona team. The Bucs could use (good) Caminero, so perhaps he can work some situations and get his confidence back.



The Offense slugged 20 hits, put up 12 runs, and drew 8 walks. The game was long because of the extra's, but the Pirates' approach generally is going to make games longer. I'm a fan of it - but to watch you have to know going in there won't be many Greg Maddux complete games in less than 2 hours type of stuff going on. They are going to see pitches, extend at bats, and put guys on base.


-- McCutchen 1-6 with 4 K's? Not one he'll want to remember. He needs to get going, and he will - but it's frustrating to watch the best player struggle like this.

-- Marte, Freese, and Polanco all had excellent days at the plate. Marte looks locked in to date, he can be scary good if he does this kind of thing for a full season.

-- Loved seeing guys come off the bench and do some great things. Harrison had a double, Cervelli had a single, Joyce drew a walk, and Jon Niese of all people had a pinch hit RBI single.

-- Sean Rodriguez is hot right now, you have to keep playing him...right? Maybe try and give Cutch a day off tomorrow and put him in the outfield.

-- Jason Rogers with a big 2 RBI triple early in the game. I liked bringing him up, he has a good bat off the bench - seems to be a better option than Figueroa.



-- Important series starting tomorrow in Colorado. They are 3-3 on this current roadtrip, it would be nice to take 3/4 and have a winning record heading home. Scary to think Jeff Locke is going to pitch in Coors Field tomorrow. Might be another long game.

[12HankQB]

My favorite part was the number 1 pitcher Greinke coming in to pinch-hit then getting a hit only to have Shelby Miller pinch-run for him. Miller also went on to play left field.

Awesome game to watch even though the Pirates let it go after being way ahead

[Manfred]

With 2 right handed batters coming up, why did AZ leave Miller in left? In youth baseball everyone knows you put your weakest fielder in RIGHT field, because most batters are righty and hit to left or center. Usually. And Vogelsong? Icky. Meanwhile, Joe Blanton is 2-1 for the Dodgers. Just saying.

[12HankQB]

Miller wasn't a weak link in left though, he was all over Serpico's double.



JA Happ is 3-0 2.42 era

[Crimson's Ghost]

Agreed. Miller handled that play perfectly fine.

[12HankQB]

It was awesome seeing these pitchers come into the game with aggression. Niese, Greinke, and Miller did great. The only bad performances were the last two at bats of Corbin and Miller to end the game.

[Manfred]

Miller wasn't a weak link in left though, he was all over Serpico's double.



JA Happ is 3-0 2.42 era

I know, I absolutely loved Happ. But for the money? Blanton was cheaper.