CHRISTOPHER PANSINO – OVATHLETICS.COM
Very few people saw the 2-1 loss last night to the Reds. Most were busy watching the televised Penguin game against the Canadians. The paid attendance of 9,045 did not show how empty the ballpark was last night. But there was a good amount to see in last night game as it marked the return of Ross Ohlendorf to the starting rotation.
Ohlendorf would be charged with the loss in the game despite giving up only three hits and one earned run though four innings. But the thing that was so remarkable about his pitching performance was that he managed to get the outs when they needed them.
In the second inning he allowed a lead off walk to Scott Rolen, but turned around and struck out he next two batter and forced a fly out ended the inning.
Then in the third he would walk two batters, but strike out Brandon Phillip with some off speed pitches and got Joey Votto to ground out to put a cap on the inning.
Again in the fourth, where he gave up the lone earned run, he got himself into trouble early. But with some good pitching and a calm demeaner he was able to hold the Red to a single run.
While tonight start for Ohlendorf can be looked at as inconsistent, it was his first start on a Major league roster in nearly three weeks. There was certain to be some adjustments to be made even from his rehab starts in the minor leagues. And last night was a really good night to get back into form without a lot of pressure.
The Pirates on offense were able to muster only one run in last nightÕs game. The lone run came in the bottom of the eighth. Cincinnati had scored in the top half of the inning to make the score 2-0 when Ronny Cedno came to the plate and belted a solo home run, his third of the season. And for a minute it seemed that the Pirates might mount a comeback with the top of the order coming up. However, after Delwyn Young safely got on base, the Pirates had trouble moving him into scoring position as they went out in order after that.
Then again in the ninth the Pirates looked to recapture some of the magic they had going last time Cincinatti was in town and loaded the bases for Cedeno. Unfortunately he fell flat as he grounded out to end the game.
The Pirates will continue the series Tuesday. If the Pirates pitching can keep up the score low, there is a very good chance the Pirates bats will begin to step up as well.
