Tonight (May 22, 2012) the Pittsburgh Pirates took on the New York Mets and try to come back like they did in game one of this three game series. The Bucos fall 3-2 to the Mets after a strong pitching performance from starting pitcher James McDonald.
Before we get to the pitching battle between the two starters in tonight's game, let's take a look at how the scoring went down.
The Mets got the scoring going in the second when Nickeas singled to left, Dan Murphy scored and former Buc Cedeno moved to third. That would be it for the scoring until the bottom of the 6th inning when Andrew McCutchen hit a sacrifice fly to right fielder Duda scoring Josh Harrison. This was after Harrison hit his 2nd triple of the season. The most exciting inning scoring wise would have to be the entire 8th inning. The Mets got the bats going once McDonald came out of the game in the top of the 8th. Duda hit an infield single scoring Baxter and moving Nieuwenhuis to third. After this a bit of history was made. The Pirates have not committed an error at home in 72 innings, until the top of the 8th inning when Dan Murphy was safe at first on an infield single to Padro Alvarez Nieuwenhuis scored and Duda moved to second. That would end the scoring for the Mets. In the Bot of the 8th after a center field double by Tabata, McCutchen singled to center scoring Tabata from second. That would be the last run that would be scored in this game. When closer Francisco got his 10th save of the season for the Mets, Cruz would get the lose for the Pirates, and Dickey would get the W for the Mets.
Now to the Pitching for the Pirates. James McDonald has slowly showing that he is the Ace of this team. He went 7 innings, gave up only 4 hits, 1 Earned Run (ER), walked 2, and struck out 8 on 104 pitches. McDonald was pitching lights out, like he has been all season. He has the lowest ERA of the Pirates with a 2.68, he's struck out 50 batters this season in 8 starts(now 58 with tonight being his 9th start of the season), and have only given up 15 runs which is also the lowest on the team. McDonald just knows how to get it done in clutch games but only has a 3-2 record with 3 No Decisions (ND) this season. If McDonald could get a little bit of offense behind him, I think he would be undefeated this season. He is pitching way to well, been getting better, and has been able to increase his Pitch Count with each game he pitches. I feel that good ol' J Mac could get the saving grace, pitching wise, for the Pirates this season and for many seasons to come.
James McDonald was not the only one who was pitching a Gem tonight. The Knuckle-baller Dickey also went 7 innings, gave up 5 hits, 1 ER, and stuck out 11 on only 88 pitches, which is really low for a knuckle-baller. Dickey seems to give the Pirates trouble every time he faces the Buccos. The Pirates just seem to struggle against the knuckle ball, the Mets knew that, and gave it took them tonight. Dickey picks up another win against the Pirates, and I'm looking forward to see how the Buccos respond to this close lose tomorrow (May 23, 2012) when they try and take a split series against the Mets.
Until next time,
You keep doing what you do, and I'll keep you up to date with everything sports.
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