The Pirates had nothing going against Javier Vazquez. They’d managed a single run – a solo homer from Delwyn Young – and just one other hit in eight innings. Vazquez had whiffed 12. But when the 9th came, a new pitcher – Rafael Soriano – was on the hill. Andrew McCutchen singled and Adam LaRoche was given a free pass. Those runners eventually wound up at 2nd and 3rd. Andy LaRoche came through with a two run, two out single to give the Pirates the lead.
Paul Maholm matched Vazquez. He allowed an unearned (error by Jack Wilson) run in seven innings, whiffing a season best eight. Matt Capps pitched the 9th for the save. Steven Jackson tossed the 8th for the win.
The Good
I’ll take a split. I have a bad feeling they will be few and far between the rest of the way.
Clutch hitting by LaRoche the Younger
Young continues to produce.
The Bad
Maholm deserved the W. It would’ve been his second straight.
The Rest
Last time Maholm struck out more than 8 was 7-27-08.
Vasquez has hit double digits in Ks three times in 2009. He did it four times in both 2008 and 2007.
Young’s last tater was 6-24-08 off Mark Buehrle.
The last time a Pirate named Young had two hits and a homer was Kevin Young on 9-27-02. Been trying to work KY into a post for a long time.
