CHRISTOPHER PANSINO – OVATHLETICS.COM
The Pirates showed girt today after going down big in earlier innings, which is something that is rarely seen in the ball club these days. Despite losing 7-5 against the Cincinnati Reds, the Pirates did not give up even after a five run 4th inning that made the score 6-2. Instead the Bucs battled back and brought the game within two runs during the seventh inning. Though they ultimately did not overcome the Reds, they did not lie down and die either, which is something positive.
Starting pitcher Brian Burres was taken out of the after only 3 and 2/3 innings. Burres stared out well striking out four and allowing only two hits, two walks, and one earned run in the first three innings. However, in the fourth inning things fell apart. He loaded the bases after walking the first two batters and giving up a shallow single to Drew Stubbs.
It seemed for a moment that Burres might get out of the inning as the next batter Ryan Hanigan would hit into a double play. Though the play would score a run and advance a runner to third it gave the Reds two outs and with the pitcher coming to the plate. But his troubles continued as he allowed a RBI single to pitcher Aaron Harang and then gave up an RBI double to Orlando Cabrera.
With the score now 4-2, Jeff Karstens came in to relieve Burres, but Karstens had his own set of trouble allowing two more runs to score before getting out of the inning.
But the Pirates did not give up. In the top of the seventh with the score now 7-2 the Pirates rallied back with Cedeno and Iwamura getting on base to start the inning. Delwyn Young would double to knock in both runners and inch them closer to the lead. The following at bat Andrew McCutchen would reach base on a pass ball after a called strike three. Young would advance to third in the process. Young would score on a sacrifice fly by Garrett Jones, but the Pirates offense would end in the seventh and the Pirates would lose 7-5.
The Pirates had started the season against the Reds with a three game sweep. However since then the Pirates have lost four straight including a three game sweep two weeks ago at home. The Reds are now tied for first place in the Central Division while the Pirates fall to seven games under .500.
