Pirates, Ohlendorf Look To Take First Road Series Since July

The Pittsburgh Pirates

face an important, early season test in Wrigley Field.  A win will be a major accomplishment for a team battling a perception problem and looking to make 2011 a stepping stone.

One player that doesn’t have a perception problem is Andrew McCutchen who has reached base safely in 18 straight games against the Chicago Cubs.  In those games, Cutch has four doubles, three triples, two bombs, and 13BB to go with six steals.

Both of the pitchers on the mound today for the Cubs and Pirates struggled this spring.  Hence the name ‘The Battle of Awful Springs’ in our preview post on Friday.

Matt Garza has never faced the Bucs.  So you thought Ohlendorf had a bad Spring?  Garza threw 21.2 innings.  He walked 14, struck out 20, but allowed 35 hits.

Ross Ohlendorf pitched well in two starts versus the Cubbies last season.  He threw 13 innings and allowed just three runs.  But much was written about his Spring Training. 

We would die laughing if this is the pitcher’s duel of the series

Last night I mentioned on Twitter that the Pirates will try to win a road series today.  Sounds simple enough.  Most probably said no shit, but it’s a pretty big deal.  It’s something the Pirates were awful at accomplishing last season.

The Bucs did it in Wrigley in May and June and also in April at Milwaukee.  The Pirates took two of three against Colorado at the end of July.  It was the last time it happened the entire season.

LINEUPS

Castro SS

Barney 2b

Byrd CF

Ramirez 3B

Pena 1B

Soto C

Soriano LF

Colvin RF

Garza P

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