Runs scored,Results same

The Pittsburgh did manage to score a few runs,five of them in fact.

Pedro Alvarez's first homer of the season even gave the Pirates a lead for the first time since Cincinnati,but Losing pitcher James McDonald (0-2) allowed eight runs in the second and third innings and it was garbage time from there as Florida finished the sweep off with a 9-5 win.
Pittsburgh returns home to PNC Park tonight for a three game series against Washington.

Pitching Matchup:
Washington:Livan Hernandez (2-1 2.88 ERA) at Pittsburgh:Jeff Karstens (1-0 4.50 ERA) 7:05

Pirate Hooks:

1) We mentioned yesterday that we thought Pedro Alvarez might be showing signs of breaking loose and last night Alvarez did just that as besides the long homer in the second inning,Alvarez singled and doubled.
This team needs the lefty slugger to get on track and hopefully last night was the start.

2) James McDonald looked great in the first inning.
He fanned Hanley Ramirez with a terrific curve for strike three,but the second was totally different.
Two walks of the first three batters and a fat first pitch fastball to Scott Cousins left the yard quickly.
The first career homer for Cousins and the Pirates never were that close again.
McDonald simply has not pitched well this season,although he has had spots of work in each game,none have been a totally strong effort.

3) Not much else to say about the offense as other than Alvarez,no Pirate had more than one hit and just four of those.This was just a bad series and a disappointing one after some good play against the Reds.

4) Jeff Karstens gets the start tonight,but the big question is whether Karstens starts again on the next night the rotation spot comes around again?
Much of that depends on tonight's game,but even with a good game,Brad Lincoln and Brian Burres still could be in the mix.

5) The Angels waived one time huge prospect Brandon Wood and the Pirates are rumored to be interested in claiming him.Wood has had major issues with strikeouts and my question is this-can this time afford to carry two shortstops?
I doubt that Ronny Cedeno would be released or sent down to make space and Josh Rodriguez would have to at least be offered back to Cleveland,if they wanted to send him down.
I would not have a problem with giving Wood a run,but I am interested to see how they make the space for another shortstop....

Photo Credit-AP Photo