Recap: With a Bang. BUCS WIN.

What a way to go into the All-Star break. Maholm was deadly efficient, striking out 8 in 7.2 innings while allowing just 4 hits and 1 ER. Cutch proved why he belongs on the All-Star roster by collecting 5 RBI, including 3 off his only hit of the game, a 420 foot rocket to center field. Neil Walker also had a monster day, hitting 2 doubles and a triple with an RBI. The Buccos have collected 2 wins in every series they have played since leaving Cleveland on June 19th, and it is a big reason why they are still just a game back from the division lead and 4 games over .500 at the All-Star break. After the break is another winnable series in Houston and then more division battles in PNC as the Reds and Cards come to town for a couple of 3 game series.

VFPH's 3 Stars of the Game

1. PIT Andrew McCutchen, CF: 1 for 2, 1 R, 5 RBI, 3-run HR
2. PIT Paul Maholm, SP: 7.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R/ER, 0 BB, 8 K; 1 for 2, 1 R, 1 BB
3. PIT Neil Walker, 2B: 3 for 4, 2 R, 1 RBI, 2 doubles, triple

Play of the Game: Cutch's 3-run homer in the 3rd