Hot Rod Barajas and Hot Rod Lincoln Lead Pirates to Third Straight Win

The juggernaut known as the Pittsburgh Pirates offense put up three runs.  It’s all this pitching staff has needed on most nights.  The team is a ridiculous 17-6 when scoring more than two runs.

Brad Lincoln got the nod for a spot start in Miami.  He threw two pitches most of the night.  Guess what?  It was all he needed against a soft Miami Marlins offense on this night.  When Lincoln was asked about his changeup after the game, the Bucs right hander said “Didn’t need it.”

We beg to differ, but that’s a different argument.  On this night, Lincoln gave the Bucs exactly what they needed.

Jose Tabata started the game off with a double against the red hot Anibal Sanchez.  A deep Neil Walker fly ball got Jose to third and Andrew McCutchen plated him.  The juggernaut was on their way.

In the second inning, Rod Barajas crushed a fastball for his second bomb of the season.

The big hit came later in the game with the score tied 2-2 and Andrew McCutchen on base after a single in the sixth inning.  Pedro Alvarez who had struck out twice in the game, went to his notebook and delivered a big time hit to put the Pirates ahead 3-2.  Ahh, the magic number.  Anibal Sanchez had been very good this season.  It was big time for the Bucs cleanup hitter.

Lincoln went six innings and gave up four hits and one walk.  The big hit was a bomb by Hanley Ramirez, his seventh of the season.  Thanks to the Bucco offense, Lincoln earned his team leading third victory (Tony Watson also has three.)

Jared Hughes, Jason Grilli, and Joel Hanrahan made it stand up with three scoreless innings.  The Bucs bullpen ERA is now 2.54.  Grilli has stranded like 150 percent of opposing runners, actually it’s over ninety but damn it’s fun to watch while it lasts.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Creeper Scary Stat:  The Pirates have thrown out just four of 27 thieves on the basepaths this season.

Another Creeper Scary Stat:  The Pirates really suck at base running.