Game 50 Recap-
A misplay by Cubs All Star LF Alfonso Soriano in the 9th allowed the Pirates to tie and redhot Pirates LF Jason Bay won it in the 11th, 6-5. Soriano lost CF Nate McLouth’s flyball in the sun and the Pirates scored to tie on the error. Bay won it again in Extra Innings after a lead off single, sacrifice and intentional walk. He hit RH Jon Lieber’s(2-3,3.00) pitch into left to score the winning run.
In a game very similiar to Saturday Nights Pirates win, both starters were solid. Cubs LH Ted Lilly pitched 6 innings, allowing 10 hits & 4 runs. He walked and struck out 2. He was touched for 3 homers, 2 by light hitting back up IF Luis Rivas(#1 and #2)one by RF Xavier Nady(#8). Pirates LH Paul Maholm(2-5,5.11 era) battled vs a very good Cubs lineup. He pitched 8 innings to give some rest to the Pirates overtaxed pen, giving up 8 hits and 5 runs. Maholm walked 2 and struck out 7, Soriano hit a 2 run homer in the 3rd.
Offensively, Rivas had the 2 homers. McLouth had 3 hits with an rbi and walk. Bay, 3b Jose Bautista and 1b Adam Laroche all had 2 hits. Cannot say enough about the job RH Franquelis Osoria(4.41 era) and LH Damaso Marte(4-0, 4.01 era) did with the premier pen guys Capps and Grabows off today(6 total innings pitched Saturday night).
Star of the Game-
Bay- Game winner 2nd game in a row- in extra innings! 1st time since 1995 when Cleveland Indians OF Albert Belle did it.
Pirates Notes-
Pittsburgh is one of 6 teams to have Monday’s Memorial day Holiday off…. Rivas has 31 homers in 1967 at bats, or 1 every 63 1/2 at bats….. Lieber had not allowed a run vs the Pirates in 10 1/3 innings… SS Jack Wilson is going to return Tuesday after talking with club officials today. He has been out since April 3 with a strained left calf.Look for the team to send rookie SS Brian Bixler back to Triple A, he is struggling with .175 average and has been losing playing time to Chris Gomez and Luis Rivas.
Next Game-
Tuesday, Start 3 game series at Cincinnati-Great American BallPark
7:10
Pirates RH Ian Snell(2-3,4.84) vs. Reds RH Johnny Cueto(2-5,5.56)
