Pirates Desperate For A Win Against Cold Fish

The Pittsburgh Pirates need a win.  Just one stinking victory would be fantastic.    The Florida Marlins are some cold fish right now, so tonight should be the time to get it.

Just how cold are the Marlins?  Try 0-for-29 with runners in scoring position over the past three plus games.

Hanley Ramirez is still flipping though, he is 13-for his last- 33 with five doubles.   Since the first of the month, Ramirez has three bombs from the leadoff spot and is sporting a .327 average.  His three bombs have produced just four runs however.

HOME DIRT:

Since the All-Star break Jose Tabata continues to be the hit machine.  He now is third in hits in the NL with 40.

Pedro Alvarez has been hitting well lately with eight hits in his past eleven for a .351 clip  with three bombs.  The Pirates have been launching the long ball at PNC recently with nine homers in the past five games.  With the  recent  seasson long   18-year struggle to score runs, some instant offense tonight would be nice.

We know that James McDonald would appreciate the support.  In four appearances at PNC Park, JMac has dazzled.  He has thrown 10.1 innings and allowed just two earned runs while striking out 14.  On August 5, McDonald’s only start of those four appearances, he threw six scoreless and struck out eight.

McDonald will be big for the Bucs tonight, because the Marlins own left handers.  They have gone 21-12 this season against lefties.

Less than seven hours boys and girls….