The Pirates only managed six hits and two walks in the game. Their only run scored on a solo dinger from Andrew McCutchen. Not surprisingly, they didn’t win.
That homer from McCutchen came in the first inning. The Pirates had a chance to add to the lead in the second. Two HBP and a single loaded the bases with two outs. But Andy LaRoche grounded out to end the inning.
That lead held up until the third. LA starter Carlos Montaserios – making his first career start – singled to lead off the inning. One out later, Russell Martin singled and Andre Ethier followed with a three run jack. LA added single runs in two later frames to round out the scoring.
Monasterios was pulled after four despite having the lead because his arm wasn’t fully stretched out to be a starter. Ramon Ortiz relieved and promptly buzzed one near the noodle of McCutchen. Two innings later Jack Taschner tossed one behind Ethier drawing some words from the LA dugout. Glad to see there is some fight in the fellas despite the messy start to the season.
Zach Duke was the starter and the loser. He gave up nine hits and whiffed a season high five, but gave up all five runs in six innings. Monasterios gave up one run in four innings. Ortiz whiffed five and gave up two hits in three innings.
The Good
Not taking any garbage. I never want to see someone hurt, but I’m happy that Taschner showed the Pirates won’t be a punching bag (except in the wins and losses columns). Although the morning coverage in the Post-Gazette implied that the club wasn’t happy that Duke didn’t deliver the return message.
The Bad
Not getting on base.
Not scoring runs.
The Rest
After 24 games last year, the Pirates were 12-12. It was the last time they were at .500 all season. This club is 10-14.
The Pirates are second to last in runs scored and last in runs allowed. So, those 10 wins are more than I would expect. By the Pythagorean W-L method, this team should be 5-19.
Ronny Cedeno has three hits in his last 41 at bats. His average has dropped almost 150 points.
