Saturday, July 9, 2011

Big Mac Mckenry?

I watched the first seven and a half innings of the Pirates games against the visiting Chicago Cubs and when the tape cut off for when I left for work,the Cubs held a 4-3 lead.
After the tape was finished and I flipped to ESPN,I discovered a 7-4 Pirate win off a three run homer by Michael McKenry (1) off Carlos Marmol of all people!
The McKenry homer broke a 4-4 tie and allowed Daniel McCutchen to vulture the win (3-1) after a one out eighth inning appearance.
Joel Hanrahan pitched the ninth for save 26.
Andrew McCutchen homered  (13) earlier for the Pirates.

The series continues tonight with Kevin Correia (11-6 3.74 ERA) against Ryan Dempster for Chicago (5-6 4.99 ERA).

Pirate Hooks

1) I was glad to see the team get James McDonald off the hook for an undeserved loss after Chris Resop allowed his inherited runners to score.
McDonald had some control issues at times,but did not deserve an L for his efforts...

2) On a night that saw both Chris Resop and Jose Veras struggle for the thus far excellent bullpen,it was nice to see the offense step,especially Michael McKenry,who had to feel great about his first homer period,putting aside the situation and who it was off of.

3) The offense is going to need to continue to do these types of things as it is unrealistic to believe that the pitching will get any better and maybe even unlikely to maintain this level of performance.

4) The play of the game besides the game winner?
How about Neil Walker's infield single by hustling up the line to beat Darwin Barney's throw and allow BOTH Alex Presley and Chase D'Arnaud to score on an infield single?
That is a rarity and all from hustle..

5) A Cubs note-I watched the game on the Cubs network to avoid Greg Brown and Bob Brenly was replaced for the night by the surprisingly good Todd Hollinsworth.
The Cubs could do worse than Hollinsworth full time when the inevitable day comes that some stupid team hires Bob Brenly to manage again...

Photo Credit_AP Photo

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