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: Squander. BUCS LOSE.

Have to admit I didn't watch this game at all, but just from the box score you can see that the Bucs blew 2 separate 1-run leads for about the 3056th time this series. Josh Harrison was pretty much the highlight of the Bucs' offense, going 2 for 4 with a double. Jeff Karstens had one of his worst outings of the year, lasting just 3.2 and allowing 5 ER. At least the schedule ahead looks a little easier.