Game 120 Recap-
Paul Maholm(8-7,3.69) pitched 8 strong innings and OFs Jason Michaels(2 run) and Brandon Moss homered in support, helping the Pittsburgh Pirates defeat the Cincinnati Reds 5-2 Wednesday night at PNC Park. Maholm allowed only solo shots to OFs Corey Patterson(3rd) and Jay Bruce(8th) to cross the plate, he gave up 7 hits and struck out 5. New 3b Andy Laroche made several fine stops throughout the game.
Reds starter RH Josh Fogg(2-5,7.96) was pitching well until the Pirates errupted for 4 in the 5th. Michaels homer made it 2-1 & C Ryan Doumit(.330) drove in 2 with an rbi double. Fogg was gone mid inning with the following line- 4 2/3 innings, 6 hits and 4 runs allowed. He walked 2 and struck out the same number. RH Mike Lincoln(9 holds,3.59) allowed Moss’ homer to close out the scoring.
Star of the Game-
Maholm- Officially the staff ace, among the top 10 pitchers in the NL right now. Some stats? 2.81 era over his last 14 starts& at least 6 innings pitched in 18 consecutive starts. “He’s been very good for us, obviously,” Pittsburgh manager John Russell said. “When we send him out there, we know we have a good chance to win.”
Pirates Notes-
Maholm is now 6-1 with a 3.06 era at PNC Park…1b Adam Laroche was activated from the DL, 3b Jose Bautista was optioned to Triple A…SS Jack Wilson was out for the 6th straight game with a shoulder injury…. The entire OF- CF Nate McLouth(.280), Michaels and Moss- all had 2 hits to lead the club
Next Game-
Thursday,Series finale vs the Reds, PNC Park
7:05
Pirates RH Ian Snell(4-9,6.06) vs Reds RH Johnny Cueto(7-11,5.01)
