Game 101 Recap-
The Pittsburgh Pirates collected 14 hits, helping them sweep a road series for the 1st time this season, defeating the Houston Astros, 8-7 Wednesday at Minute Maid Park in Texas. The Pirates pen pitched 6 innings and allowed only 2 runs while using 5 pitchers. 3b Doug Mientkiewicz was on base 5 times and drove in 2 runs to support the staff.
In a game where neither starting pitcher was around in the 4th, the bats came alive early and often. Astros RH Brian Moehler(5-4,4.45) was touched for 4 runs in the 1st as Bay’s 2 run shot was the big blow. C Ryan Doumit(sacrifice fly) & SP Ian Snell(single) also drove in runs. Unfortunately, the Stros touched up Snell(3-8,6.10) for 3 runs of their own in the bottom of the inning. SS Mark Loretta singled in 2 and RF Hunter Pence grounded home a run.
The teams exchanged runs in the 2nd with Pittsburgh scoring via a 2b Freddy Sanchez double & Astros 2b Kaz Matsui homered for the home club. Mientkiewicz doubled in a run in the 3rd , ending Moehler’s tough night. His stat line: 2 1/3 innings, 9 hits, 6 runs(5 earned) with 1 home run. Houston C Brad Ausmus matched the run with an rbi double in the bottom of the inning.
Snell, who has had a poor year, did not start the 4th as RH T.J. Beam(0-1,6.00) gave up a run scoring single to 1b Lance Berkman. The was tied at 6-6 and settled down until the 7th inning. The Pirates bats touched RH Geoff Geary(2-1,2.45) for 2 runs. Mientkiewicz singled in the 1st run and Ph Jason Michaels followed with an fielders choice to make it 8-6. Houston answered for a run vs RH Tyler Yates(12 holds,4.11) in the home half, via PH Geoff Blum’s rbi single.
With the game in hand & clinging to a 1 run lead, the Pirates bullpen would not let the game go away. LH John Grabow(9 holds,3.08) was solid over 1 1/3 to continue his strong season. New Pirates closer Damaso Marte(5 saves,3,47) allowed a runner to reach with a walk but struck out Astros all star Miguel Tejada to end the game, sealing the 1st road series sweep of 2008.
Star of the Game-
Mientkiewicz – Valuable veteran pickup who has played a variety of roles, on base 5 times, 2 rbi
Pirates Notes-
Mientkiewicz had 4 hits to led the team… 3 others had 2 hits….3b Jose Bautista played 3rd in the 9th for defense
Next Game-
Thursday, 7:05 start a weekend series vs the San Diego Padres at PNC Park
Pirates RH Yoslan Herrera(0-1,19.50 over 6 innings) vs Padres RH Clay Hensley(1-0, 5 innings pitched)
