The Bad News Bucs

Tonight's game shaped up a lot like last night's, in that the pitching really kept any offense to a minimum. Oscar Villareal kept the Bucs pretty quiet and Shawn Chacon returned the favor. This is probably how he maintained a winning record in New York despite possessing completely putrid stats. He mixed performances like tonight (walking 5 but only giving up 3 hits and a run) with performances like his start against the Astros (7 ER in 2 innings). Even so, I will not complain when he can turn in a performance like tonight. I'll take as many walks as are necessary to win games. It definitely helped Chacon tonight that the defense was on, like when Jack and Weapon X bailed his ass out of a bases-loaded jam with a double play.

The offense came alive for the Pirates in the 8th when they trailed 1-2. Chris Duffy and Jack Wilson walked and Freddy came through with one of his patented clutch singles. FSN put up a graphic just before his RBI with the NL RISP batting leaders; Freddy's third. His RISP efficiency ranking would probably be even higher with the inclusion of sacrifice RBIs.

Jason Bay hit a grounder almost identical to Freddy's to score the go-ahead run. Xavier Nady and Ronny Paulino both added insurance RBI singles before Jose Castillo finally hit into a double play and ended the inning. The runs proved to be enough for the win, with Damaso Marte getting his first W (1-7), Matt Capps holding down the fort and Gonzo getting an efficient save.