Pirates lose lead,first look at Jack McGeary

The Pirates jumped on Russ Ortiz for three runs in the first two innings,but the offense was punchless thereafter in a 6-3 loss to the Astros.
Sean Burnett allowed a three run shot to Lance Berkman that broke a 3 all tie in picking up the loss.(0-1).
The Pirates host Atlanta tonight at 7:05

Pirate Hooks

1) Want to hear some head shaking numbers from the positive side of the ledger?
3 hits from Nyjer Morgan and 2 from Adam LaRoche!
Unexpected to be sure.

2) Andy LaRoche finally added his first hit of the year in the loss,but just one....

3) Jeff Karstens was handed an early lead and responded by allowing runs in the 2nd,3rd and 4th innings.
The Pirates were fortunate to escape with that little bit of damage.
Houston misfired on two opportunities for bigger innings and Karstens threw 87 pitches in just four innings
On a decent team,Karstens would be the mop-up man or in the AAA rotation.

4) Another nice inning of work for Craig Hansen out of the pen,I still have hopes for Hansen if he can continue to harness his control.

5) Jason Jaramillo made his big league debut and singled for his first big league hit.
Day games are most likely when the former Phillie will see most of his game time.

Pitching Matchup

Atlanta:Jair Jurrjens 2-0 2.45 ERA at Pittsburgh:Paul Maholm 1-0 1.32 ERA 7:05

I am going to tonight's Suns-Blue Claws game to work on autographs,but I am not sure if I am staying or not yet.
I may come home and watch the Devils-Hurricanes Game 2 live.

Last nights Hagerstown-Lakewood game was interesting as it was the first time that I will have a chance to see touted lefthander Jack McGeary.
On a Suns teams that is not loaded with top prospects,McGeary and catcher Derek Norris stand out as the two players to keep a close eye.
McGeary was sharp for the first two innings,but in the third (he also pitched to two batters in the fourth) he began to bounce his curve in front of the plate.
McGeary was looked at by the trainer in the third,but remained in the game.
The New England native finished with an abnormally high six walks in the stint that contributed to his five earned runs on only four hits.
He didn't seem to throwing overwhelmingly hard,but that is not the forte' of McGeary on most scouting reports.
We will have more on McGeary as the season goes along.

Lakewood won 11-9 in 10 innings,I had to leave after seven to go to work.
I did find another Phillie prospect that I liked a lot though after last year being so impressed with Dominic Brown.
First baseman Jeremy Hamilton came into the game struggling,but smacked out 3 hits (on my scorecard) officially two.
I really like Hamilton's swing....

Back tomorrow with more Pirates,Devils and perhaps Suns.

Photo Credit
Berkman:Gene Puskar-AP Photo
Hamilton:Donruss