Happy Anniversary PNC Park, Tabata Walks Off Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates rode the bat of Jose Tabata

to win another come from behind game.  The victim was Jim Tracy and his Colorado Rockies who fell to the Pirates in a five hour and fifteen minute game that went into the early morning hours.  When Josh Rodriguez crossed the plate, it reminded many fans that it was time to celebrate the tenth anniversary of PNC Park.

What a way to celebrate.

Tabata had a solo homer earlier in the game then in the 14th inning with Josh Rodriguez on first base, Tabata crushed a ball off the Clemente Wall in right field to give the Bucs the victory.  The die hards remained, not quite the 21,900+ announced, but still a little crowd that had to be thrilled they invested the time.

The Pirates bullpen threw 11.1 scoreless innings with 12 strikeouts.    The pen repeatedly battled out of jams.  An intentional walk by Garrett Olson was key late in the game.  It loaded the bases for Todd Helton who grounded out.

One interesting move with Tabata at the plate was the fact that Andrew McCutchen stood in the on deck circle.  Garrett Olson was really the on deck man after the Bucs had made a double switch with Josh Rodriguez taking Neil Walker’s position, but batting ninth, and the pitcher, Chris Resop at the time, batting second.  With two outs in the 14th inning, Jim Tracy pitched to Tabata instead of walking him to face Olson.

So was Tracy Hurdled?

If Tracy really thought McCutchen was on deck, well….nevermind.

It was a great night with tons of strategy both good and bad.

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