Series wrap up after the jump........
I know its only three games and I know that the Cubs are no World Series contenders, but as a Buccos fan you have to like what you've seen thus far from the team. They've appear to have a new mentality where they are going out and trying to prove something to the baseball world. What's the reason behind this new attitude?
Hurdle already has shown he cares more through spring training and 3 regular season games than Russell showed in 3 years here. With such a young team this is the kind of guy we need. A player's coach.
Entering the season everyone knew that it'll be up to the admittedly weak starting rotation to either pitch this team to respectability or collapse and fall into irrelevance come July. So far so good. Correia and Maholm pitched very strong games. Ohlendorf pitched an alright game, he got himself into some trouble but managed to minimize the damage.
Where the team has shone though is through their bats, especially off those of Walker and Alvarez. The Bucs went on a slugfest on opening day highlighted by Walker's 5th inning grand slam, and eventually a 6-3 win.
Shut up Wrigley.
The following day the Bucs were cruising along until a horrendous 8th inning by Evan Meek. Up 3-0 the Bucs gave up 5 runs and fell to the Cubs 5-3. We shouldn't be too worried about Meek. Dude was a stud last year, its early and he should find his rhythm. Hanrahan has been solid throwing cheese in his save opportunities. Our middle relievers and Hanrahan have to maintain leads though or this team is gonna be in a lot of trouble. Leads for the Pirates are too valuable to give away.
Sunday the Bucs once again climbed to an early lead. The rest of the game was full of lead changes. Jones had a chance to make a big catch at the wall in right, until some joke "unintentionally" dropped his beer on Jones.
Notice the Green Bay hat....**** the Packers
The Pirates trailed in the 8th but had Jaramillo on 3rd with one out. Sac-fly to right field. Jaramillo tags up. He comes down the base path lumbering home, Jiggaman put it best as you could literally see him "sweatin' gravy". Play at the plate.....
No dice. Jaramillo gets the mit to the mug. Crosby scores there..
Crotta makes his MLB debut and shines holding the Cubs to nothing in the 8th. In the 9th Jones and Walker get on with no outs. Overbay moves the runners ahead on a sac-bunt, and nearly gets to 1st safe. Alvarez up, splices a little infield dribbler, Jones scores, throw to 1st is off a tad. Walker somehow makes it from 2nd to home in two seconds and slides in to make it 5-4 Bucs.
Hanrahan comes in and shuts the door. Cedeno had a chance to end the game on a double play but completely overthrew Walker on the flip. Next batter Cedeno gets a second chance and the Bucs pull off the double play for the win and series. Cedeno just needed some practice....
The 2-1 Buccos now head to St. Louis for a 3-game set with the Cardinals. Hopefully they can get McCutchen back in the lineup and continue to build off the positive vibes....man
To the Cubs fans around the world get used to seeing this flag fly a lot this season...
Home opener on Thursday.
Raise the Jolly Roger yinz.
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