Pirates Day 5

Game 1: Cardinals vs. Pirates

5-1 Pirates

W – Moore (1-2)

HR – Kendrick x2 (5), Byrd (2)

Pirates: (5-4)

Game 2: Cardinals vs. Pirates

5-2 Pirates

W – Sale (2-0)

HR – Rosario x2 (3), Alvarez (3)

Save – Melancon (4)

Pirates: (6-4)

Game 3: Nationals vs. Pirates

2-1 Pirates

W – Melancon (1-0)

BS – Melancon (1)

Pirates: (7-4)

Can anyone stop Howie Kendrick? At this point, opposing pitchers should strongly consider intentionally walking him because in game one Kendrick hit two bombs to give him five on the season. Matt Moore was fantastic in a strong recovery from his poor first two starts. He went six solid innings and got help from the bullpen that has become as good as any collection in baseball. With this 5-1 pirates victory they are now 5-4 and have won four consecutive games.

Finally, in game two of the series, Willin Rosario showed glimpses of why he was the Pirates’ second round selection and had high expectations. His four hits, including two home runs, catapulted the Pirates to a fifth straight victory by a score of 5-2. Chris Sale continued an impressively consistent streak by the Pirates’ pitching staff with seven innings and just two runs. Not even phenom Michael Wacha could slow down this potent offense that, after a slow start to the season, has really begun to dominate the competition the way the managers had expected.

The Pirates’ 2-1 victory, thanks to a walkoff double by Pablo Sandoval, has sparked conversation about a potential “team of destiny.” Now with six wins in a row and sitting atop the National League, fans have really caught “Pirate Fever.” Howie Kendrick, the current team MVP, spoke to reporters after the game, saying: “We really owe it all to the front office. They have drafted well, spent money wisely, and are the main reason we are in this position. We’re just taking everything one game at a time.” The pirates attempt to make it seven in a row, as they will finish the series against the Nationals on Tuesday with Liriano on the hill.