Pirates Morning Report: No Miracles Last Night

Final Score: Pirates 0 Tigers 4

Why The Pirates Lost: The Pirates continue to be mired in one of the worst run scoring droughts in history. Luis Ortiz was his own worst enemy going only 3 innings with 2 of the 4 runs scoring on his throwing error and wild pitch. The bullpen held the Tigers in check the rest of the way, but it is rather easy to pitch, when you know you have no chance of winning. The Pirates flashed some pretty fancy leather that helped DUJ pitch 2 and 2/3 innings of scoreless ball. The Pirate offense managed 5 hits, 2 walks, and was 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position. They went quietly at the end, with the last 10 Pirates failing to get on base, with only 5 putting a ball in play. Maybe it is some kind of virus. Whatever it is they sure do stink at the plate.

Key Moment Of The Game: Even though 2 runs would have been more than enough for the Tigers to win, Ortiz gifted them 2 runs in the bottom of the 3rd to ensure their victory. The Tigers opened the inning with a hard hit double, followed one out later by an infield single that put runners at 1st and 3rd with one out. Then the fun began. Ortiz on a pick off move that looked like he was trying to throw the ball over like Kent Tekulve, threw the ball away, allowing the 3rd run to score, and moving the runner all the way over from first to third. He threw a wild pitch on the next batter, ensuring another run scoring, giving the Tigers an insurmountable, at least with the Pirates, 4 run lead.

Next Game: This afternoon, Tigers in Detroit. On paper, this looks like the biggest mismatch of the season. For the Pirates we have Rich (The Line Drive Right At Them Master) Hill, going against the Tigers Eduardo Rodriguez, who in his last 35 and 2/3 innings has given up 1 run. Every once in a while, when you see something like this you can get the big surprise. Maybe, this will be the game that the Pirates snap out of it. Maybe Castro will finally get a start. I would still like to know what that is all about. His replacement yesterday Josh Palacios hit into a double play and struck out twice. Will the road trip be miraculous, stay tuned.