Recap: Almost Over. BUCS LOSE.

Reds 5, Pirates 4
Once again the Pirates failed to record a sweep, and once again I can't say I'm too surprised as it hasn't happened much at all this year. Chase d'Arnaud was the clear mvp for the Bucs, as he went 2 for 3 with 2 RBI and a triple, but the Pirates just couldn't solve Dontrelle Willis, who ended up picking up the Win. Neil Walker had the only other XBH, a double.

Recap: Salvage City. BUCS WIN.

A win is a win, no matter how ugly or gift-wrapped by the other team it is, and the Pirates definitely needed this victory to stay in the race with the next seven games being against the best teams in the National League. Steve Pearce, who hasn't done all that much since returning from injury, nevertheless plated the tying run with the Bucs down 3-2 in the 7th by grounding into a double play. In the 10th, Chase d'Arnaud sacrificed to center, scoring Xavier Paul, who had previously advanced to 3rd on a throwing error by catcher Gerald Laird. The Bucs avoid getting swept for the first time since Cleveland and will head to Atlanta hopefully with some momentum for their big debut on ESPN. Still, with Eric Fryer and Ronny Cedeno as your best hitters in this game, The Pirates desperately need the services of both Pedro Alvarez and Alex Presley. Jose Tabata wouldn't hurt either, but he's still a ways away.

VFPH's 3 Stars of the Game

1. PIT Chase d'Arnaud, 3B: 1 for 4, 2 RBI, double
2. STL Colby Rasmus, CF: 2 for 4, 2 R, 1 RBI, 1 BB, HR
3. PIT Ronny Cedeno, SS: 2 for 4, 2 R, double

Play of the Game: Chase d'Arnaud's walkoff sac in the 10th

Recap: Electric Stuff. BUCS WIN.

Two rain delays pushed this game late into the night, but Charlie Morton didn't mind. He pitched 5 scoreless innings, Tim Watson had 2.2 more, DCutch got an out, and it was Hammertime who picked up his 27th save of the season. In a very offensively challenged game, it was Andrew McCutchen and Matt Diaz who managed to scratch a few runs across the plate in very typical Pirates fashion, both being sacrifices (Cutch grounded to SS, while Diaz flew out to right). The white-hot Neil Walker got two hits to extend his hitting streak to 12 games, while the equally hot if not hotter Alex Presley got 2 hits to increase his average to .352. On the defensive side, Chase d'Arnaud had a nifty glove flip to Walker to help Chazmo out of a bases-loaded, 2 out jam. With the Brewers losing to the DBacks, the Pirates are back in 1st place, this time in sole possession. They have broken the 5 game over barrier for the first time this season.

VFPH's 3 Stars of the Game

1. PIT Charlie Morton, SP: 5.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, W (8-5)
2. PIT Neil Walker, 2B: 2 for 3, 1 R
3. PIT Alex Presley, LF: 2 for 4

Play of the Game: Chase d'Arnaud's glove flip to end the top of the 1st