Reds at Pirates Series Thread|05/31-06/02

[Darkstone42]

The Reds (33-21) come into town for a three-game set in PNC Park, giving the Pirates (34-20) an opportunity to slightly widen the gap between the two teams in the Central Division standings. The last time these two teams met, the Pirates managed a sweep of the Reds. While that would be nice, taking two of three would be just fine with me.

The Pirates offense is ice cold right now, but a red hot pitching staff helped them steal three of four from a very good team in the Tigers. Hopefully the pitching keeps going and the offense starts to find a rhythm this series.

Speaking of pitching, the matchups are Cueto (2-0) versus Rodriguez (6-2), Leake (4-2) versus Liriano (3-1), and Latos (5-0) versus Gomez (2-0).

It's not going to be easy, of course, but these are the games the Pirates need to win if they want to be contenders.

Go Bucs!

 

[steelparrot]

Nice to start it off with 2 lefties on the mound.

 

[HammerDown]

Just tuning in. Cueto hit someone last inning?

 

[dare2be]

Not just someone...Cutch. The thuggery continues.

 

[Darkstone42]

Is Pedro still out with pulled-teeth? I thought I saw him in the lineup earlier today, but Inge is there instead.

 

[dare2be]

I didn't expect to beat Cueto. Let's lull them into a sense of security and take the next two games.

 

[Darkstone42]

Well, Zagurski retaliated. And Phillips scored. That's why I don't like retaliating. It looks like he can't get into a rhythm after throwing at a guy, like that was the focus of his preparation.

 

[steelparrot]

I guess this is one way to rest the bullpen, let Zagurski pitch the last 2 no matter what.

Based on my own personal 1 game tv scouting report, thats about all he is going to be good for.

 

[steelparrot]

Well he couldnt even keep his pitch count low enough to get 6 outs.

 

[Darkstone42]

At least we didn't waste any high leverage guys.

 

[sychmd]

every pitcher at this level knows how to throw at and how to hit a batter.

zagurski choked because he had no margin for error as we werent hitting cueto and the playoff atmosphere of the game. he will do better in the future.

we never hit cueto and we are terrible in series opening games.

we were gassed after an incredible series with detroit. detroit had the best offense (runs per game) and the second best pitching when adjusting for going against a DH lineup and we took 3 of 4 and went OT x 2 and every inning was intense. no break for anyone.

we were able to rest martin and alvarez and the top 5 in the pen.

we need to split the next 2 and go 3-3 on the next roadtrip. i would be pleased with that.

our bats usually heat up starting june 1 over the last 2 years so heres hoping the hot weather warms the bats, and our pitchers dont drop off to much from the excellent level they have been performing at.

 

[WvuDieHard]

When the weather warms up is when the Pirates fade--wouldn't hold my breathe on the Pirates winning the division. Hope like hell you can get a wild card spot.

 

[26 elroy face]

The Pirates might be the worst team in the league for manufacturing runs. A runner on second with no one out, and two outs later he's still there. I'm not saying a bunt is in order, but where's the ground ball, or the fly ball to right side. How many times had the Pirates left a runner on third with less than two outs.

 

[evolver115]

Just tuning in. Cueto hit someone last inning?

Not just someone...Cutch. The thuggery continues.

Here is to hoping that Liriano puts one of those patented sliders on Votto's fists this evening.

 

[Ryanballa]

You Buccos ready for another beating tonight?? You all should have gotten No hit last night.

 

[CaptO]

You Buccos ready for another beating tonight?? You all should have gotten No hit last night.

Go Buccos

 

[steelparrot]

we are 3-1 against the reds so far, we should play more often

 

[steelparrot]

Mike Leake Batter vs Pitching Stats - ESPN

Hard to believe McCutchen has the lowest ops vs leake.

And even weirder, Presley is the pirate homerun leader vs leake.

 

[Darkstone42]

Well Liriano looks awfully good early on.

 

[thedddd]

Shame a good start ruined by no offense.