Game 66 Recap-
The Pittsburgh Pirates rode their starting pitcher and catcher to a victory over the Washington Nationals 3-1 Thursday at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. Veteran RH Ian Snell won his first game in 11 starts and C Ryan Doumit homered for the 3rd time in 2 games since returning from a thumb injury. Snell was outstanding over 6 + innings,allowing 6 hits & 1 run with 6 strike outs and 3 walks.
“It feels good, but I’m not really worrying about personal stuff,” said Snell, who had lost six consecutive decisions. “As long as the team wins, I’m happy. That’s all we’re shooting for, not who wins what or how, just the team needs a win.”
The game was Snell’s 1st since April 12th and he had lost four straight outings. He did not allow a runner to reach 3rd base until the 7th. The popular Snell tried to stay positive & he addressed it post game.
“I kept telling myself ‘We need a win, we need a win’ all night,” Snell said. “It was real important. I’d like to see our team do something special here. I think we’re going to do something special. Right now, we’re playing good baseball, and it’s going to continue.”
Pittsburgh got the ball rolling in the 1st when LF Jason Bay doubled in CF Nate McLouth for a 1-0 lead in the 1st. Doumit homered in the 5th for the 2nd run. Nationals starter, LH John Lannan(4-7,3.43) did not pitch poorly, Snell was just better. Over 6 innings, he allowed 7 hits, 2 runs & 3 strike outs.
Snell tired in the 6th after a double & walk to start the inning, LH Damaso Marte(13 holds,3.82 era) took over & allowed the run from Snell’s issues to score to make it 2-1 Pittsburgh. However, in the same inning, RF Xavier Nady got the lead back to 3-1 with an rbi single to end the scoring. Gritty Pirates closer Matt Capps(15 saves,2.56 era) slammed the door in the 9th with a game ending double play to earn his 16th save.
Stars of the Game-
The Battery- Snell & Doumit– throw in closer Matt Capps for his 3rd save after pitching in 4 consecutive games for the 2nd time in his career.
Pirates Notes-
Doumit is hitting .358 on the year…Team is 24-0 when leading after 7 innings… Pirates won Snell’s 1st three starts but went 3-7 in his next 10
Next Game-
Thursday-12:35 PNC Park, Pittsburgh
Pirates LH Tom Gorzelanny(4-5,6.83) vs Nationals RH Jason Bergmann(1-3,5.23)
