Final: Astros 6, Pirates 4 WP: Sergio Escalona (2-1) LP: Jose Veras (2-3) SV: Mark Melancon (7) The Bucs fell back 3-0 to the Astros thanks to some early opportunities that were missed out on by the Pirates’ offense in the early innings. Those missed opportunities would ultimately come back to haunt them. However, thanks
Jeff Karstens’ gem propels Bucs into 1st place
Final: Pirates 4, Astros WP: Jeff Karstens (8-4) LP: Brett Myers (3-10) I didn’t see any of this game, but by looking at the box score, it is safe to say that Jeff Karstens flat out dominated. He pitched a complete game, 5-hit, shutout while throwing just 83 pitches. He lowered his ERA on the
Astros blow out Bucs to avoid sweep
Final: Astros 8, Pirates 2 WP: Bud Norris (5-6) LP: Charlie Morton (7-5) The Bucs were up 1-0 heading into the 6th inning, but then the Astros bats, helped along with some sloppy play, busted out for a 5-run 6th inning to put the game essentially out of reach. The Pirates could only manage 2
Wood, Karstens lead Bucs to victory
Final: Pirates 5, Astros 1 WP: Jeff Karstens (7-4) LP: Wandy Rodriguez (6-5) Seriously, what can be said about Jeff Karstens? I say that after every single start. The guy has literally been on a season long hot streak. He pitched 7+ innings today and gave up just 1 run, and that was on a
Bucs overcome sloppy play in 5-3 win
Final: Pirates 5, Astros 3 WP: Paul Maholm (5-9) LP: Brett Myers (3-8) SV: Joel Hanrahan (25) This one got really ugly early on as the Pirates made 3 errors in the 3rd inning as they fell down 3-1. However, the Pirates settled down to shut down the ‘Stros from then on and picked up
Pirates’ offense erupts in 10-2 win
Final: Pirates 10, Nationals 2 WP: Kevin Correia (11-6) LP: Jason Marquis (7-3) This one was over pretty early. The Bucs got on the board quickly as an error and 4 singles helped them score 3 runs in the 1st inning. In the 2nd, they piled on another 5 runs, all by singles and doubles.