Recap: Extra Special. BUCS WIN.

A crazy way to end the 3-game road trip, but the Bucs came out on top after 11 innings and have not lost a series since Cleveland back on June 19th. Cutch made another spectacular diving catch to end an Astros threat in the 7th. He also had a collision with Carlos Lee in the 11th, but seemed to be okay, so hopefully nothing serious happened, as we can't afford to lose another outfielder even with Alex Presley playing as well as he is. Speaking of Elvis, he had another big game, going 3 for 6 and raising his average to .343. Kevin Correia pitched (6.0 IP, 3 ER) and hit (1 for 2, a 2-RBI double) well enough to win, but he was let down by Joel Hanrahan who came in for 1 out in the 8th and blew his first save of the season. Unfortunately, Hammertime's streak is over, but the good news is that it didn't amount to a loss. The Pirates finally broke the tie in the 11th off some sloppy defense by the Astros. Chris Leroux got his first MLB Win, and Chris Resop got his first MLB Save.

After 9 straight games against the NL's worst, things are about to get real in the upcoming series, as the Bucs face 2 tugh division battles at home against the Reds and Cards. Both are still winnable for the Bucs, but these series will prove whether the Bucs can truly contend for the NL Central.

VFPH's 3 Stars of the Game

1. PIT Alex Presley, LF: 3 for 6, 1 R, 3 RBI, double
2. PIT Kevin Correia, SP: 6.0 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 1 HR; 1 for 2, 2 RBI, double
3. HOU Jeff Keppinger, 2B: 3 for 5, 3 R, 2 RBI, double, HR

Play of the Game: Kevin Correia's 2-RBI double in the 2nd