Paul Maholm pitched eight super innings,but it looked as if he was headed for a similar result as his last excellent start against Houston-a No Decision.
However,this time the bats would save the day as Nate McLouth launched a two run homer into the Pittsburgh night and lifted the Buccos to a 4-2 win over the Yankees.
McLouth's blast(18) continued the return of his power and picked the team up after the Bombers had scored two runs off Maholm in the only real threat of the evening by the Gothamites.
Pittsburgh had built a two run lead on two RBI by Freddy Sanchez.
Freddy knocked the games first run on a second inning single and added the other on a 5th inning sac fly that scored the tagging Nate McLouth from third.
The heroics by McLouth were terrific,but Maholm was the games true star as he scattered seven hits and walked just one batter in continuing his run of excellent efforts.
Maholm continues to keep his team close enough to have a chance to win and over this stretch has eliminated the one bad inning syndrome that hindered him earlier in the season.
The Mississippi native bumped his record above .500 with the win (6-5).
Damaso Marte continued to add to his value as he pitched a scoreless ninth for his fourth save .
The Cardinals come to town tonight for a weekend series before the All-Star hiatus.
Pitching Matchup
St.Louis:Kyle Lohse (10-2 3.61 ERA) at Pittsburgh:Zach Duke (4-5 4.23 ERA) 7:05
Bullpen Notes
Short version today as I am short on time.
The Hickory Crawdads hit town tonight for the their only visit to Hagerstown this season.
Full coverage here tomorrow.
The Pirates brought up Luis Munoz from Altoona to boost bullpen depth for the weekend before the break.
Munoz will likely be returned after Sundays game.
As part of the roster shuffle-Jared Hughes went to Altoona to make a start for the Curve and was returned to Lynchburg after the game.
The Indians (of all teams) claimed Bryan Bullington,so if the Pirates intent was to slide him through waivers and return him to Indianapolis-it failed.
I cannot blame them though-I was surprised anyone claimed him and it seemed that he was claimed to Cleveland to help them through injury issues to their pitchers that has affected Cleveland as well as AAA Buffalo,which is where Bullington was assigned.
The Pirates also made two minor trades that basically will add no real effect to anything.
Craig Wilson was shipped to Seattle for the Player to be named later,while Dan Reichert and Ryan Mulhern were added from Cleveland for the PTBNL.
Reichert,a right handed pitcher and Mulhern is an utility player that were added to add depth to the Indianapolis roster.
Reichert had spent time with the Royals,but had not been in the big show since 2003,while Mulhern has spent his entire career as a Indian organizational soldier.
Big on the signing front tomorrow when I have more time to cover the Asheville Tourists and my continuing to chip away at the Hagerstown Suns.
Until next time
Photo Credit
McLouth:Gene Puskar-AP Photo
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