As Chicago Cubs great Ernie Banks once said, “Let’s play two!” The Bucs and Rocks squared off in a double header today, with the first game starting at 12:30. James McDonald started for the Pirates, along with 4 other Mc’s, and Juan Nicasio started for the Rockies. Unfortunately, we both missed the first 8 innings, but were able to catch the last inning. It was a pretty uneventful game, so there isn’t really much to recap anyway.
McDonald had a no hitter through 6 innings, and of course the Pirates lineup couldn’t get him any runs. After walking Carlos Gonzalez to lead off the seventh, J-Mac gave up an infield hit to Troy Tulowitzki, breaking up the no hitter. Both runners advanced on what was ruled a wild pitch, but it was really a passed ball by Michael McKenry. Jason Giambi flew out to center, scoring Gonzalez and making it 1-0. McDonald struck out the next two batters to keep the defect at one. The Bucs wasted no time in striking back, with Pedro Alvarez hitting a line drive home run into right centerfield.
McDonald’s day was done after seven, and Chris Resop replaced him. After getting one out, Resop hit a batter and gave up a single. Tony Watson replaced Resop, and gave up a sac fly to Tyler Colvin to make it 2-1. The offense couldn’t get anything else going after Pedro’s homer, and that was the game.
Other highlights:
- All 9 starters collected a hit each.
- Alex Presley and Clint Barmes were both caught stealing.
- McDonald’s final line was 7 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 8 K.
Star of the Game: James McDonald. He pitched a heck of a game, with a no hitter through 6 innings. He did everything he could to put the Pirates in a position to win, but the offense couldn’t come through. Luckily he wasn’t tagged with the loss.
Goat of the Game: The Pirates offense. McDonald went 7 innings and gave up 1 run. That should be enough to win a game, but the offense couldn’t get anything going once again.
Pirates (7-10) – Rockies (9-8)
Win: Matt Reynolds (2-0)
Loss: Resop (0-2)
Save: Rafael Betancourt (6)
Go Bucs
