For the second straight game the White Sox tossed a combined shutout at the Pirates. Tonight’s starter was Clayton Richard, who picked up his first win in 2009 and just the third of his career. He and three relievers held the Pirates to four singles, a double and three walks. Richard struck out eight in his six innings of work and the Pirates whiffed a total of 13 times.
Ross Ohlendorf deserved better. He went 7-2/3 and allowed four runs – three earned. The first run scored with the aid of a Jack Wilson error. Alexei Ramirez clubbed a two run dinger in the fifth to make it 3-0 and Jermaine Dye’s solo tater in the 8th capped the scoring.
The Good
Ohlendorf was effective. If the club can get performances like this from the starters, I’ll have no arguments.
The Bad
Being shutout in back to back games.
Striking out. Lack of clutch hits. I just better stop.
The Rest
Last time the Pirates were shutout in back-to-back competitions was also in interleague play. That was at the hands of Seattle, Felix Hernandez and Jeff Weaver back on June 20 and June 21, 2007. The Pirates were shutout three times in five games earlier in 2009.
The Pirates have a five game losing streak to the ChiSox.
This was a career high in whiffs for Richard.
This was the second time in 2009 the Pirates have struck out 13 times (May 15, 2009 against COL was the last). Edinson Volquez and the Reds struck out 15 Pirates last September 3rd.
This was Ohlendorf’s longest outing in the Show.
There were six players active in the Majors in 2008 whose given name is Clayton.
