Pirates 2 Astros 0 again

Another solid start from one of our top pitchers. Today Kip Wells went 7 innings on only 104 pitches (usually 104 pitches only gets Kip through the 5th) giving up 4 hits and (this is the key) only ONE walk.

These last two games have been very encouraging because lets face it, the Pirates are going to win more games 2-0 than they are 11-10. If Kip and Ollie can anchor this staff, we might be able to get away with only scoring 4 runs a night and still being a respectable team.

Today also marked one Wilson coming out of his season long funk while the other remains mired in his. Craig struck out twice with runners on third and one out today, while Jack had two more hits including an RBI triple. Craig Wilson wasn't the only person not coming through in the clutch today, he and Mackowiak combined for 7 of the teams 16 LOBs today. Jack Wilson and Freddy Sanchez both made outs with the bases loaded and two outs (in the 8th and 4th innings respectively) but we can't complain about them because they both got hits earlier in the game at key positions. Jason Bay killed the ball again, going 3-for-4 with a triple and an RBI single in the first.

Again, Rick White and Jose Mesa closed down the 8th and 9th. Today was extra-special for Jose as he became the 19th closer in history to record 300 saves. As much as I dislike him as our closer, he's been absolutely lights out this year and 300 saves is nothing to sneeze at.

The bottom line is, this series against the Astros is exciting because if the Pirates are going to be any good this year, this is how they have to win. The simply aren't going to score 10 (or 8, or maybe even 6) runs a night, but if they can play good defense behind their good pitching (and if Perez and Wells can pitch like the aces they are), they'll win their share of games.

This win is important for another reason, if the Cardinals keep their lead today (up 6-3 in the 9th) today will be the first day all year the Pittsburgh Pirates are not in last place!