Game 83 Recap-
What started out as a low scoring, well pitched game by 2 young starters, developed into a battle of bullpens and late inning comebacks with the Pirates doing it a bit better and beating the Cincinnati Reds, 6-5 in 11 innings at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. SS Jack Wilson(rbi triple) & CF Nate McLouth(rbi single) plated runs in the 11th and a rally by the Reds in the home half was a run short.
Pirates ace LH Zach Duke, (5 innings,6 hits, 1 run, 2 walks, 3 Ks) pitched well vs a very good offensive club. After he left the game, a ground out produced the only run on his ledger. Reds Phenom RH Edinson Volquez(10-3,2.24) had a rougher night but was still tough. Over 5 1/3 innings, he allowed 7 hits with 3 runs while walking 3 and striking out 3. He allowed 3 run scoring hits, one in the 4th(3b Jose Bautista double) & 2 in the 6th(RF Doug Mientkiewicz sacrifice fly & Adam Laroche double). It was now 3-1 Pittsburgh.
Reds underrated 2b Brandon Phillips tied the game in the 8th with a 2 run homer off of LH Damaso Marte(4-0,15 holds, 3.54). The teams exchanged runs in the 10th on hits by Pittsburgh’s Jason Michaels & Cincinatti’s Phillips.Phillips hit cost Pirates closer Matt Capps(2-3,3.12,17 saves) another save, as he has now blown 5 of his last 5 chances, after converting 15 to open the year. Then we had the heroics in the 11th. Recent call up RH Romulo Sanchez(1st Pirates appearance, recalled Sunday) got the final out for the Pirates with 2 on to secure the win.
Star of the Game-
Sanchez- stopped the bleeding and had a memorable 1st career save
Pirates Notes-
Russell batted the pitcher 8th and Wilson 9th for the 2nd consecutive game…Team is 30-0 when leading after the 7th….Wilson’s 3 hits lead the team
Next Game-
Wednesday,7:10 pm at Cincinatti
Pirates RH John Van Benschoten(1-2,8.31) vs Reds RH Daryl Thompson(0-1,3.60)
