Recap: Out-powered. BUCS LOSE.

You can never score enough runs when you play stacked offensive teams like the Cards, and the Pirates didn't. They clung to a 1-run lead going into the 5th, but the Cardinals took the lead again and that was it for Charlie Morton. Still only down by 1 in the 8th, CH13 sends Tony Watson out instead of a more reliable reliever like Daniel McCutchen or even Jose Veras, and T-Wat gives up a 3-run homer to put any hope of a comeback out of reach. On the positive side, Garrett Jones continued his hot August (.306, 15 RBI) by getting 2 more hits and 2 RBI, and Michael McKenry also went 2 for 3 with a double.

Recap: The Fort's National K Club. BUCS WIN.

In front of a national TV audience, the Pirates put forth one of their best pitching performances of the year, striking out a total of 14 Braves, 9 of which belonged to James McDonald. Pedro made some noise in his first game back, going 1 for 3 with a run scored and a walk. But the real story was the pitching, who stymied the Braves offense all game long, including getting out of a bases loaded, 1 out jam in the 6th. Michael McKenry was the obvious defensive MVP, blocking everything in sight, gunning down runners, and even caught a foul ball that had some serious backspin. All this after taking a ball in the throat and having his hand struck by a bat (the play was ruled catcher's interference). The Buccos won in impressive fashion on ESPN, their first time since 2004, and maintain their tie with the Cardinals for 1st place in the Central. Milwaukee had the day off, so they are now a half game back.

VFPH's 3 Stars of the Game

1. PIT James McDonald, SP: 5.1 IP, 8 H, 0 R/ER, 0 BB, 9 K
2. PIT Michael McKenry, C: 1 for 4, 1 RBI
3. PIT Andrew McCutchen, CF: 1 for 2, 1 R, 1 RBI, 2 BB

Play of the Game: Michael McKenry's RBI single scoring Pedro in the 2nd