McCutchen debuts in Pirate romp

The post-Nate McLouth term began today with the long awaited debut of Andrew McCutchen in a 11-6 win over the Mets that gave the Pirates a mini sweep of the series.
Why a mini sweep?Because yesterday's game was rained out and all of the scheduled games were not played.
Four first inning runs off Met starter Mike Pelfrey got things off to the right start and four more in the fourth put the game away.
Steven Jackson earned his decision as a Pirate (1-0) with two scoreless innings from the bullpen.
The Pirates travel to Houston tomorrow for a three game weekend set against the Astros...

Pirate Hooks

1) Andrew McCutchen made his debut a memorable one with two hits,three runs scored and an RBI.
McCutchen also stole a base in the victory.
McCutchen is not the savior of the franchise,but he will make what should be some coming misfortunes a little more fun to watch.

2) Ramon Vasquez smacked out four hits in a rare start for Jack Wilson.
Vasquez has struggled as a pinch hitter,but his value comes when he is able to occasionally spell the starter and not have a measurable loss of production....

3) Andy LaRoche knocked two runs,but left the game from a "knee contusion" after the sixth.
LaRoche was plunked by Mike Pelfrey in the fourth.
No word on the status of the hot corner player for the start of the series in Houston.

4) Big series for Jason Jaramillo.
Jaramillo followed up his first career homer on Tuesday with a four RBI afternoon against the Mets.
Between Jaramillo and Robinzon Diaz's solid performances filling in for Ryan Doumit,perhaps the Pirates have one more trade token to deal at the deadline....

5) The only downside of the game was Ross Ohlendorf.
Despite being spotted huge leads twice in the game,Ohlendorf was unable to finish the fifth and therefore handed Steven Jackson the W.


Pitching Matchup
Pittsburgh:Jeff Karstens (2-2 4.83 ERA) at Houston:Mike Hampton (3-4 5.07 ERA) 8:05
Bullpen Note

Hooray for NBC in axing Jerome Bettis from their Sunday night studio show.
Bettis seemed likable enough,but brought little to the broadcast as far as information goes.
Bettis will likely become a Steeler analyst for someone in the Pittsburgh media....

Photo Credits
All;John Heller-AP Photo