Losing streak snapped

The Pirates scored two runs in the first inning and James McDonald (2-2) made them hold up with seven innings of one run and three hit pitching.
Pittsburgh used a four run sixth to break the game open and end their seven game losing streak.
Garrett Jones and Pedro Alvarez each knocked in three runs while Andrew McCutchen homered (10) to end the scoring.
The series continues tonight with the Pirates sending Zach Duke (5-11) to the hill against Ricky Nolasco (13-8) for Florida at 7:05.

Pirate Hooks

1) I am trying not to get too overenthusiastic over James McDonald,but I cannot help but like a pitcher with that type of curveball.
I realize that he has looked great in two starts at PNC and not so great on the road,but to me,McDonald has a real chance to develop as a solid starter and not a Jeff Karstens type either.

2) What do I like so much about McDonald besides the 12 to 6 curve?
I like that he uses the standard three pitch toolbox (fastball,curve and change) and doesn't get away from that.
One thing that I have seen over the years is teams forcing players to add pitches during their minor league years.
The result is that the time used forcing a new pitch is time taken away from truly mastering their three basic pitches for use at the highest level.
McDonald hasn't done that and I think the Dodgers deserve some credit for that as well...

3) John Russell returned his "2-5" parts of the batting order to normal and was able to have some production between Garrett Jones in the cleanup spot and Pedro Alvarez in the five notch with a combined six of a possible seven RBI for the night.
I don't think Jones is a "4" hitter on a good team or even on this one in a year or two,but for now
he is the best choice for that spot in the lineup.

4) Andrew McCutchen ripped a homer and stole a base,but one thing that I am becoming concerned about is the sudden near misses on spectacular catch attempts.
Plays that once were made are now becoming more and more "almosts".
I don't believe that it is any lack of effort,but something seems to be a bit askew for McCutchen defensively lately...

5) An interesting note on Neil Walker from the Post-Gazette-Walker is hitting .382 with runners in scoring position and that is second to only Josh Hamilton of the Rangers in all of baseball.
Smart move by John Russell moving Walker into the third spot in the batting order considering those numbers.

Hoping to be back later with a look at the Cleveland Indians signings at the deadline later today.

Photo Credit-Matt Freed-Pittsburgh Post-Gazette