Final Score: Pirates 3 Marlins 1
Why The Pirates Won: Luis Ortiz pitched one heck of a game. After giving up 1 run on 3 hits and a walk in the first inning, he shut out the Marlins for the next 7 innings on 4 hits and a walk. He kept the Pirates in the game as they struggled for 8 innings. In the top of the 9th, they rallied for 3 runs to take the lead. Josh Palacios started the 9th off with a little soft liner to left field for a base hit. One out later Andrew McCutchen hit a swinging bunt down the third base line for a hit. The Pirates immediately pulled off the double steal. Then Connor Joe hit a sharp ground ball to the shortstop, and he did not make the play to plate, which allowed the Pirates to tie the game 1-1. That was followed up by a solid base hit by Carlos Santana for the Pirates to take the lead 2-1. Henry Davis and Tucupita Marcano followed with singles and the Pirates had a 3-1 lead. David Bednar pitched a clean 9th for the save and the losing streak had come to an end. Going into the 9th the Pirates had only 2 hits and then got 5 hits to score the 3 runs. Do you believe in miracles?
Key Moments Of The Game: There were two deciding moments to this game. The Marlins had the bases loaded and 1 out in the top of the first with a run already in. They hit into a double play that ended the inning and Ortiz would go on to pitch his gem. Next was the hard hit ground ball to the shortstop in the top of the 9th by Connor Joe. The decision not to try to get the runner trying to score may have cost the Marlins the game. It is something we will never know but it looked to me that he would have thrown him out. Those two plays were the difference in the game.
Next Game: This afternoon, Marlins in Miami. The losing streak is over, but will the Pirates build any momentum off of this thrilling win. If they can get a split in this series, then I would say yes. I know it is a very very very small sample size, but Henry Davis looks like the real deal. He seems to have a focus and drive that this club really needs. I hope I am right about him.
The Goofy Game of Golf/Life Searching for the Answer 