Game 108 Recap-
Colorado Rockies RH Aaron Cook(13-6,3.53) showed why he is an all star, winning his 3rd straight start and helping the NL Champions avoid a sweep, defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-4 Wednesday at PNC Park. Cook worked 7 innings , allowing 9 hits and 4 runs while walking 3 and K-ing 1.C Chris Iannetta hit a 3 run homer while LF Matt Holliday, 1b Garrett Atkins and SS Troy Tulowitzki added rbi singles for the Rockies.
LH Zach Duke(4-9,5.27) battled but had a tough night. Over 5 innings, he allowed 8 hits and 6 runs with 3 strikeouts and 2 walks. “He’s not hitting his spots as effectively,” Pittsburgh manager John Russell said of Duke. “That’s what’s hurting him. When he’s effective, he’s staying down in the zone. Tonight, he didn’t do that as much. The one thing I noticed, [catcher Ryan] Doumit had to move around a lot. It’s not usually a good sign for Zach.”
The Pirates scored 4 runs in the 5th with C Ryan Doumit(double), LF Jason Bay(2 run single) and 3b Jose Bautista(single) all having big hits. Tulowitzki singled in the game final run in the 7th.
Nice moment for the Rockies in the 9th as closer LH Brian Fuentes(1-4,3.00, 17 saves) got his 18th save with 2 Ks in the inning. Viewed by many as a strong candidate for trade, he set the franchise record for saves at 103. His Manager, popular ex player Clint Hurdle had high praise for his closer.”It’s wonderful,” Hurdle said. “There’s longevity, there’s success, there’s talent, commitment. He’s dealt with some adversity. He’s come out on top of it. Good for him. There’s a new name on the board.”
Star of the Game-
Cook- Did not have his best stuff but fought for his team,”The term is effectively ugly,” Cook said of his outing. “The team gave me some runs early, and that made things easier.” Colorado Manager Clint Hurdle had high praise, praising his gutty ace, “There was some grit,” he said. “He did not have his best stuff.”
Pirates Notes-
2b Freddy Sanchez missed his 3rd consecutive game with back spasms….3rd base coach Tony Beasley sang the National Anthem…Team has been linked to several trade rumors, with Bay, LH RP John Grabow and SS Jack Wilson names the most commonly mentioned
Next Game-
Team is off Thursday, Start series at Wrigley Field vs the Cubs Friday
2:20 start
Pirates RH Jeff Karstens(1-4,11.05) vs Cubs RHÂ Jason Marquis(6-6,4.69)
