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.

Astros Get Blass-ted

Opening Day for the Buccos saw preliminary ceremonies delay the game for 12 minutes, but for good reason. Former Pirate pitcher and current broadcaster Steve Blass was honored for his 50 years in the organization. Also, there were heavy hearts by the many as "Amazing Grace" sounded throughout the stadium in remembrance of the 3 police officers recently killed in action. Even the players weren't exempt from the emotional seen as they bowed their heads in a moment of silence.

Nick B.

As for the game itself, Zach Duke was magnificent...again. Duke hurled a complete game shutout while giving up only 4 hits. Duke's shutout was the first by a Pirates pitcher in a home opener since John Candelaria beat the Cubs 1-0 on April 7, 1978. Duke could of given up 6 runs and still would have gotten his second victory of the season. The Pirates offense gave Duke 7 runs behind 14 hits coming from everyone in the lineup. Yes, everyone, including a deep double by Duke. Alliterations aside, Adam LaRoche was good, Ryan Doumit was good, and Freddy Sanchez was maybe the best. Sanchez got it started with his first double in the 1st inning setting the table for Doumit to drive him in to give the Bucs the early 1-0 lead. However, The Pirates really broke it open in the 3rd inning, an inning that Astro starter Brian Moehler would not get out of. Once again a Sanchez double gets it going, McLouth then singled him home, then LaRoche launched one into the right field bleachers breaking the game open. After Ramon Vazquez and Jack Wilson base hits and a Duke walk. Nyjer Morgan has a base hit to drive home 2 making it 6-0 Pirates. Pirates then scattered hits here and there to close the game out including a boneyard blast by Doumit in the 8th. It was Dukes day though, as he cruised to the shutout and was a huge part of the Pirates 2nd opening day win since 2004.

Game Notes

• Doumit - 2-5, HR, 2 RBIs, 1 R
• LaRoche - 3-4, HR, 2 RBIs, 1 R
• Sanchez - 3-5, 3 2b, 2 R
• Duke - CG, 4 H, 5 SO, 2 BB, 0 ER
• Opening Day= Good
• Andy LaRoche not in starting lineup=Better
• Andy LaRoche getting booed during opening ceremonies= Priceless