Recap: Walk-off 'Wick. BUCS WIN.

Reds 3, Pirates 4
An unfortunate series of events in the top of the 9th led to the bases loaded for Joel Hanrahan, and he hit Todd Frazier to bring home the tying run. The next batter flied out to center, but the damage had been done and Hammertime failed to record save #40, not to mention losing the win for Jeff Locke. Fortunately, though, all was not lost as in the bottom of the inning, backup-backup catcher Jason Jaramillo doubled with one out and then Ryan Ludwick doubled to deep center to score the walkoff run. In other positive news, Cutch had a double and a triple, and Garrett Jones hit a two-run homer. The Bucs will look for the series win against the Reds tonight.

Recap: All Access. BUCS LOSE.

The Bucs tried to rally all game, but it always seemed to fall short. Whether it was tying the score but being unable to take the lead, or leaving the bases loaded and not plating anyone, or the numerous baserunning blunders on the night, to the first time all year that Joel Hanrahan has been pulled in the middle of an inning all season, the Bucs just didn't deserve to win this game. Jeff Karstens lasted just 4.1 innings, giving up 4 ER over that time. I guess it might have been a precautionary measure as he had just returned from injury, but still I would have liked to see him throw more than 68 pitches. On the plus side, the Pirates got big blasts from Derrek Lee (who continues to stay hot) and Andrew McCutchen (a 2-run homer). Doumit also hit a rare triple. The Bucs will try to take the series in a day game today.

Recap: McClutchen. BUCS WIN.

For the second game in a row, the Bucs were down to the Astros 4-1. This time they left themselves more than 3 outs to get back in it. Andrew McCutchen hit a 3-run homer, his second of the game, to tie it at 4. Then, in the 8th inning, Jason Jaramillo of all people singled in the winning run on a crazy play that lead to an inning-ending double play with Jaramillo out trying to stretch a double and Ryan Doumit out at home after Jaramillo was caught in a rundown. No worries though, as Hammertime needed only 10 pitches to record 1 K and 3 outs for his 36th save of the season. Off day today, then the Fish come to town for a 3-game set.