Game 28 Recap-
The Washington Nationals got a clutch 8th inning run scoring single by RF Austin Kearns off of LH RP Jon Grabow in the 8th for a decisive run in Thursday’s series opener in DC. The game was well pitched by both starters as Pirates LH Zach Duke(7 innings, 5 hits,2 runs, 2 walks,1 strikeout) and his Nationals counterpart, LH Odalis Perez(7 innings,3 hits, 2 runs(both solo home runs), 4 strike outs) were very strong and kept the opposition at bay.
The Nationals scored 2 runs in the 2nd on an rbi single by C Will Nieves. Pirates 2b Freddy Sanchez took Perez deep with a solo shot in the 4th. Pittsburgh tied it in the 7th when red hot C Ryan Doumit homered to make it 2 all. This set the drama for Kearns’ heroics in the 8th.
Injury fill-in closer Jon Rauch(star closer Chad Cordero out with arm issues since season’s start) pitched the ninth for his 6th save.
Stars of the Game-2 starters- Perez and Duke- 14 IP, 8 hits,4 runs— great work for any ML pitchers
Second Guess?Pirates Manager John Russell for pulling Duke after 85 pitches?
Pirates Notes-
Russell stated after the game that LH SP Tom Gorzelanny should not miss anytime with his tweaked back…. SS Jack Wilson is in extended spring training today and Friday and then will face rehab in Double A… Pirates held to 3 total hits
Next Game-
Pirates LH Phil Dumatrait(0-1) vs Nationals LH Matt Chico(0-5)
