In years past, the Pirates would not get the type of production game after game after game. First thing, the Pirates would rarely chase pitchers early as their lack of patience was awful. Now we are seeing on a daily basis that even aces of teams, and possibly one of the best pitchers in the league struggle to get through the Pirates lineup. Through 5 innings, Peavy had 100 pitches and through the last 6 or 7 outs you could tell we were getting to him. Things like that didn't happen in past years.
Our starting pitching has been phenomenal, through 18 games our staff is leading the league in ERA (2.93), Shutouts (4), and Quality starts (12). Ohlendorf today gave up a 2-run bomb to Adrian Gonzalez, and in past years starting pitchers would fold and cave and we would lose by 10, or our offense would have no response and we would lose 3-1. Things like that just have not happened yet. Ohlendorf responded by then going 6 shutout innings before giving up a solo home run on his first pitch in the 8th inning, which then brought out another possible question coming into this year, our bullpen.
Captain America came into the game for the final 6 outs and there was no doubt that this was our game. Our bullpen has exceeded so many expectations to date considering all the questions and worries about how we would be able to get to Capps and Cpt. America. The starters have eased many of those questions because of how deep they are going into games. Chavo, Burnett, and company do not have to go into games in the 5th and 6th inning consistently, so when they are called on to produce in a tough spot, as Burnett was the other night, he has a fresh arm to get out of a jam.
On offense, there are a few things this year that we haven't seen in a long time. A great example of this would be to watch our 4th inning today, after we had runners on 2nd and 3rd and no out. Hinske battles and battles against Peavy before eventually getting called out on strikes on a terrible call that even John Whener blatently says immediately that it was 7 or 8 inches off the plate. Following that was a Lil' LaRoche K on a terrible swing, which led to Robinson Diaz in his 2nd at-bat this season. All he proceeds to do is rip a first pitch hanging curve to right to drive the 2 in. Backup catchers for the Pirates never come through in a clutch situation to tie the game against an ace.
Now on to Big Boy LaRoche. Everyone knows his swing in July?.. well that swing is here right now, and my does it look promising. 2 towering bombs today, wow. The question about LaRoche was always what could he do with a full season of him hitting the ball, and that question is being answered more and more every game.
I know that the season is still so young, but with these things going right just imagine the possible depth that we can have with McCutchen in the outfield and Brandon Moss coming off the bench. This team has a lot going for it right now and is playing with confidence that has not been seen in such a long time.. Just keep it up and things can get very interesting.
Notes- Jack is on the 15 day DL, That means a lot of Brian Bixler and praying.
- Every position player had at least a hit (for maybe the 5th or 6th time this year), and either had a R.B.I. or scored a run
- The Buccos have lost 1 series this year and it was opening weekend at PNC.
- They split with STL and Cincinnati to start the year
- Swept Florida
- Took 2 of 3 from Atlanta and San Diego
Andy LaRoche-We love ripping on Andy LaRoche because, well, sometimes it is just too easy (See the 1st about 2 weeks of posts). But we will be the first people to say that a 10 game hitting streak is a great accomplishment for anybody.. espicially someone who is just here as a stop gap until Alvarez.
