Red Scare!

Sorry for missing a game,but spent time with my visiting friend Big Don and my new friend Mike going to games over the last few days,so something had to give with work.
Anyway,the Buccos broke a six game losing streak by grabbing both games in Ohio from the first place Reds.

Wednesday featured a terrific game by Charlie Morton (5-1),who tossed a shutout in a 5-0 win.
Pedro Alvarez's three run homer (2) and Andrew McCutchen's two run shot (8)were all Morton needed to cruise to the W.
Yesterday's 5-3 win saw James McDonald allow just a single run in just under seven innings as he bumped his record to .500 at 3-3.
Joel Hanrahan allowed a run in the final stanza,but hung on for save number twelve.
Ryan Doumit (4) homered for Pittsburgh.
Weekend interleague play begins (ho hum) with three games against the Tigers at PNC Park.
Jeff Karstens for Pittsburgh against Brad Penny for Detroit...

Pirate Hooks

1) I am slowly beginning to believe in Charlie Morton.
Not totally yet,but I am beginning to believe in his conversion from thrower to pitcher.
Morton still walks more than I care for,but keeping the ball down in the zone has made a huge difference thus far.

2) Pedro Alvarez has only hit two homers this season,but there was little wonder about his blast on Wednesday-that dog was gone right off the stick!

3) I really like Ryan Doumit thus far this season.
Put aside Doumit's homer yesterday,he has been improved behind the plate and even tosses a runner out occasionally.
Perhaps not playing every day holds the secret to improved production?
For some players-less is more.

4) Play of the series was Andrew McCutchen's full out,horizonal dive to take away a sure extra base hit.
McCutchen's outfield play can be spotty,but he can make you forget all of that with just one play.

5) Evan Meek is expected to return next week,so the Pirates will have send someone down to Indianapolis.
My bet is on Daniel Moskos.

6) The Pirates announced that second round pick Stetson Allie will be starting at short season State College.The Post-Gazette reports that various sources are quoted as saying Allie has had significant issues with throwing strikes....

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