Recap: Lengthy Late First. BUCS WIN.

Pirates 9, Brewers 8
I didn't get a chance to watch the end of this game as it ran rather long, but what I did see was the Buccos answering back every time the Brewers tried to mount a comeback and as a result they picked up their first win in the House of Horrors for the season. Alex Presley was the MVP, going 3 for 5 with 3 RBI, a double, and a solo home run. Xavier Paul also had a triple. Charlie Morton's stuff wasn't exactly Electric, but the offense carried the team in this one and he ended up with a no decision. Daniel McCutchen got the Win, while Joel Hanrahan picked up his 40th save of the year.

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.

Recap: Breaking the Cycle. BUCS WIN.

Finally the Pirates had a little luck go their way. Brian Burres was masterful for 5.1 innings, his only blemish was a Carlos Pena solo shot in the 2nd. But the Bucs were quick to answer back, capitalizing on 2 Alex Presley triples in the 3rd and 7th. Although the Cubs had 2 errors on the day, the Pirates weren't able to convert them into runs and as a result all of Ryan Dempster's 3 runs were earned. The bullpen was a domination show, as they were perfect for 3.2 innings, striking out 5 for a total of 10 Ks on the day. Joel Hanrahan struck out 2 in the 9th to record his 33rd save of the year. There was a bit of a scary moment when Cutch got hit by a pitch on his hand, but reports indicate it's a bone bruise and not a broken hand as was feared. He will most likely still miss a game or two to heal up.