Recap: 18 Scoreless Innings. BUCS WIN.

The Pirates keep finding ways to win. This time, they were outhit 6 to 4, only managed 1 run, but still were able to pull off the victory. Why is that? Because of pitching and defense, the same reasons they have been winning all season long. James McDonald had his best start of the season, going 6.1 scoreless. Joe Beimel then came in with the bases loaded and got a huuuuge strikeout of Jay Bruce that turned the game around. Chris Resop came in for the last out of the inning, getting Stubbs to ground out to first. The Reds never truly threatened again until a 2 on, 2 out situation that Hammertime took care of in the 9th for his 28th save of the season. The lone Bucco run was scored on an Andrew McCutchen sacrifice grounder in the 1st.

VFPH's 3 Stars of the Game

1. PIT James McDonald, SP, 6.1 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 7 K
2. CIN Mike Leake, SP: 2 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
3. CIN Ryan Hanigan, C: 2 for 3, 1 BB, double

Play of the Game: Joe Beimel strikes out Jay Bruce with the bases loaded in the 7th

Recap: Meltdown. BUCS LOSE.

One of the few bullpen meltdowns of the year, although the defense wasn't exactly stellar either. Joe Beimel had a really rough outing. Xavier Paul appears to be a good sign by Huntington; he went 2 for 4 on the day. Neil Walker and Matt Diaz both had RBI doubles.