Pirates 4 Brewers 2

So of course after I complain about Daryle Ward being in the starting line up he hits what turns out to be the game winning two run homer. I still say 1-for-16 is nothing to write home about. Nonetheless, a win with the lineup McClendon put out there tonight is impressive. Other random thoughts throughout the game:

Rob Mackowiak HUSTLES. Even with Castillo healthy he needs to be in the lineup every day. And not batting clean up, that's where Craig Wilson should hit.

Bay looked sick tonight with three bad K's.

Matt Lawton doesn't look like he cares about baseball at all.

Craig Wilson will never see a pitch to hit with Daryle Ward batting behind him.

David Ross, who I had no idea existed prior to two weeks ago when we traded for him, is absolutely killing the ball. And he's under 103 years old. Not saying he has to play every day, but it's a thought.

Mark Redman is a MACHINE. Maybe he doesn't replace Kendall, but seeing someone take a line drive off his knee and finish the inning is pretty impressive.

All in all, for the first time this season there seemed to be effort coming from the Pirates. Craig Wilson covered a ton of ground in left field, made one amazing catch at the wall, and all in all actually resembled a serviceable outfielder. Mackowiak hustled like none other. David Ross showed some fire with three hits (including a homer) and threw out a runner. Maybe the earliest players only meeting in history had some kind of affect on the team.

ESPN summary here