W,L,W,L,W,L,W,L

With yesterday off, the Buccos returned to action today against the Astros in the 2nd of a 3 game series. Ross Ohlendorf was on the mound looking to even out his record at 1-1, but it was a rocky start for Ohlendorf. 4 straight pitches put Michael Bourn on first with a leadoff walk, followed by back to back singles by Miguel Tejada and Lance Berkman to load the bases. Carlos Lee then sacrificed in Bourn, for his first of 3 RBIs, snapping an 18 inning scoreless streak for the Astros, which was followed by a Hunter Pence sacrifice fly to score Tejada. Two more runs in the 3rd proved to be enough to win the game for the Astros as they defeated the Pirates 4-1.

On the plus side, Nate McLouth is starting to heat up, going 2-3 with a walk. Also, it's April and Adam LaRoche is batting .267, continuing to produce that last few games. These two consistently contributing to the heart of the Buccos' order will play a large role in the success of this season. LaRoche hit his 3rd home run in four games in the bottom of the 9th to erase the shutout. While we are on the subject of Adam LaRoche and consistency.....Ramon Vazquez started tonight's game at shortstop due to a bruised middle finger on the glove hand of Jack Wilson, which means Andy LaRoche was back in the lineup at 3rd base. Andy LaRoche is probably baseball's most consistent player so far this season. Going 0-2 tonight continued his streak of being o-the season as he is still looking for his first hit through 16 at-bats.

Game Notes

• Freddy Sanchez and Ryan Doumit both went 0-4.
• Craig Morgan got his first start as a Pirate in right field, goes 1-4.
  
• Buccos leave 7 stranded on base.
• Ohlendorf: 5 IP, 4 ER, 8 H, 2 K's

Through the first 8 games of the season, the Pirates have alternated wins and loses for a record of 4-4. The last game of this series is tomorrow afternoon at 12:35. Jeff Karstens is scheduled to take on Russ Ortiz.
Despite tonight's loss, the city of Pittsburgh may not be completely heart broken as the Penguins made the Flyers look like some n00bs in 4-1 victory.