Coming into the game, the Washington bullpen was much maligned – a league worst ERA with 14 loses and a league low six saves. Tonight it was the Pirates turn to lose a game late.
Coming into the fifth inning, the Pirates had been held hitless and were trailing 3-0. Not only were they held hitless through four, but they were being held down by a dude making his MLB Debut – Craig Stammen, who went to the University of Dayton. My own backyard.
The LaRoche brothers fueled a comeback. The Bucs first hit of the game was a double by Adam in the fifth. He would score on a groundout by Andy. Stammen began to struggle in the 7th. A walk to Nate McLouth, a homer by Adam LaRoche, a double by Brandon Moss and a single from Andy LaRoche put the Pirates up 4-3 and sent Stammen to the showers.
Tom Gorzelanny relieved Ian Snell to start the 7th. He had a 1-2-3 first inning. But the 8th is where it went sour. He allowed four straight singles that plated two runs, pushing Washington ahead to stay.
Former Pirate Julian Tavarez was the winner in relief of Stammen. Gorzy was hung with the L.
The Good
Snell was solid. Six innings and three runs allowed on just four hits.
The Bucs offense was efficient. Not many guys on, but not many guys stranded. That’s an official reach.
The Bad
Losing one late and having the winning streak snapped.
The Rest
Coming into tonight, Tavarez’ career ERA against Pittsburgh was Maddux-esque 2.12.
Brandon Moss has multiple hits in each of his last seven starts. His average is nearly 100 points higher than it was 10 games ago.
At AAA Syracuse this year, Stammen was 4-2 with a 1.80 ERA.
Adam Dunn’s BA is .280 following a single and an RBI tonight. You have to go back to 2004 to find him with a higher batting average this late in the season. And he is hitting less than .200 at home this year.
