Game 35 Recap-
The Pittsburgh Pirates continue to play strong ball winning their 4th game in a row with a exciting, well pitched victory over the Atlanta Braves 3-2 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. 2b Freddy Sanchez drove in all of the Pirates runs including a clutch 2 out hit in the ninth for the decisive run. LH RP John Grabow(2-1) pitched a scoreless ninth for the win.
Pirates RHP Ian Snell(4.53 era) was outstanding tonight, over 7 innings, he allowed only 2 hits and 1 run while walking 5 and striking out 6. His only allowed run scored on a ground out by Braves RF Jeff Francoeur in the 6th. Atlanta’s starter, sure fire hall of famer LH Tom Glavine(4.03 era), was also strong but allowed 2 runs in his 7 frames. He gave up 5 hits while walking 4 and striking out 3. His mistake was a 2 run double by Sanchez that could have been worse if a Pirates runner was not erased at the plate.
The Braves scraped together a run off of two Pirates relievers(LH Damaso Marte and RH Tyler Yates) when Francoeur tied the game with an rbi single to make it 2 all. After a fly out to lead off the Pittsburgh ninth, RH Jeff Bennett(3.64) entered the game. 3b Jose Bautista greeted him with a single to left. SS Brian Bixler grounded out and Bautista was out at 2b. Doug Mientkiewicz pinch hit and singled Bixler to 3rd. Sanchez stepped to the plate and became a hero with a solid single to center field and a Pirates victory.
Star of the Game-
Sanchez- Was the Pirates offense, driving in 3 runs. Continues to excel in the lead off spot.
Pirates Notes-
Pirates blew their 1st save of the season tonight…..Marte had retired 22 consecutive hitters until allowing a single in the 8th tonight….Sanchez and C Ryan Doumit(.340 average) had 2 hits
Next Game-
Pirates LH Tom Gorzelanny(2-3) vs Braves LH Chuck James(2-1)
