Once again, the problem for the Bucs was their bullpen. Tonight, Tyler Yates (0-2, 8.71) and Sean Burnett (0-1, 3.29) combined to give up 5 ER in in the 8th. Yates picked up the loss after allowing the first 3 of those runs. A bullpen melt down is almost getting automatic nowadays.Jeff Karstens (1-1, 5.19) started and pitched well in what was one of his best starts of the season. He gave up just 2 ER in 6 innings and didn't walk a batter.
The offense, once again suffered from untimely hitting as they left 9 men on base.
Nate McLouth (.295, 4, 19) and Nyjer Morgan (.308, 0, 13) highlighted the lineup as both picked up 2 hits and an RBI. Morgan also stole his 8th base of the year. However, he also got caught stealing for the 4th time.
Brian Bixler (.227, 0, 2) looked like he didn't belong in a ML uniform for only half his AB's. He finished 2-4 with 2 K's and double. He has now struck out 15 times in 22 AB.
The Bucs have now lost 6 in a row and 10 of 11.
[photo: espn.com]
