Brad Lincoln and Kevin Hart Combine on Shutout

Two very good signs for the maligned Pirate pitching staff tonight. Kevin Hart threw three innings and earned his first save as AAA Indianapolis shutout Louisville 3-0. Hart did not allow a hit. But take Harts’ outing with caution as Scott McCauley tweeted this.

"I assume #Pirates fan would rather see Kevin Hart throw fastballs? Overpowering LOU hitters, can’t find zone with his other pitches."

He struck out three and walked one Louisville batter in three innings. Brad Lincoln went six, allowed four hits (two by the Louisville pitcher), walked two, and struck out three to earn his first victory of the season.

If Kevin Hart can put a few good outings together, it would desperately help the Pirates. Looking at the rotation, well it scares the hell out of me. We just wish it had the same effect on the opposition. The Reds are licking their chops as they come in to town for the first weekend home series for the Pirates. A starter for Saturday still hasn’t been announced, but I heard Rocco mention tonight that Daniel McCutchen or Brian Burres could go. So much for the walkup sales Saturday.

I trust Jeff Karstens can also improve his stuff, because the way Pirate pitchers are throwing early in the season, it appears that this starting rotation could not only have Brad Lincoln and Kevin Hart, but I can certainly see Karstens getting some innings as well.

Lincoln threw 78 pitches, 52 for strikes getting six groundball outs and seven fly ball outs.

Hart threw 37 pitches, 22 for strikes getting two groundball outs with three fly ball outs.