Game 100 Recap-
Pirates LH Paul Maholm pitched 8 strong innings & the team hit 3 home runs in support, helping Pittsburgh defeat the Houston Astros 8-2 Tuesday at Minute Maid Park. Maholm’s performance was huge with the team depleted by injuries throughout the pitching staff, any starting pitcher going beyond 6 innings is a bonus, 8 is a cherry on top of the sundae. 2b Freddy Sanchez, C Ryan Doumit(3 run shot) & CF Nate McLouth homered for Pittsburgh.
Sanchez homered in the first but not without some protest by Manager John Russell. His ball hit the top of the wall in left center and he stopped at 2nd thinking he had a double, his manager knew better and got the call corrected for a 1-0 lead. Astros RH Jack Cassell(1-0,7.11 with 3 ML starts) battled but the Pirates had some success vs the youngster. They added a run in the 2nd with a ground out and McLouth’s 3rd inning homer made it 3-0. Sanchez and LF Jason Bay added rbi singles in the 5th to end the rookies start. Over 4 2/3 innings, he allowed 9 hits and 5 runs with 1 walk and 2 Ks.
Maholm was the story, plain and simple. He has been outstanding as of late, winning 5 out 6. He improved to 2-5 on the road, over 8 innings, he allowed 5 hits and allowed 1 run in the 7th(rbi single from RF Hunter Pence). The Pirates got 3 huge insurance runs in the the top of the 7th when Doumit hit a huge 3 run homer to left to make it 8-0. The Stros scored a single run in the 9th vs LH Sean Burnett(4.64) when ex Pirate Ty Wigginton singled in a run.
Star of the Game-
Maholm-Becoming one of the better pitchers in the division–HUGE night for the staff with the rest and a day game Wednesday
Pirates Notes-
Sanchez’ 3 hits led the team….1st round draft pick Pedro Alvarez and the club are far apart in contract talks, some numbers have it at 2 million dollars….Over his last 8 games, Bay has 11 rbi
Next Game-
Wednesday,2:05 series finale at Minute Maid Park,Houston
Pirates RH Ian Snell(3-8,5.83) vs Astros RH Brian Moehler(5-4,4.03)
