Pirates Day 8

Game 1: Pirates vs. Dodgers

3-2, Dodgers

L – Parnell (2-2)

Pirates: (8-7)

Game 2: Pirates vs. Dodgers

14-1, Dodgers

L – Liriano (2-2)

Pirates: (8-8)

In game one, a clutch Hanley Ramirez RBI single was the difference in this heartbreaker for the Pirates. James Shields pitched well enough to win but the offense waited too long, yet again, to get the bats going. Howie Kendrick performed well, as he always does, with two hits, but the lineup behind him continues to strikeout too much. Pedro Alvarez is in serious danger of losing his lineup spot to Garrett Jones, as he continues to strikeout in over 40% of his at bats. Pirate Nation has no need to worry yet, but they better turn this skid around soon.

Okay, Pirate Nation, you can worry. The Pirates lost 14-1 (I repeat, 14-1!) and provided a dismal effort in a crucial game. With first place in the National League hanging in the balance, the Pirates gave a dud. Francisco Liriano was horrible, and could not get out of the second inning (an inning in which the Dodgers scored 10 runs). There is nothing much to say on the positive side, except that the lowly Nationals are on the horizon as the Pirates look to straighten out these horrific woes.