Padres 2 Pirates 1

You'd think scoring one run in the first inning, then not scoring again for 8 innings, and losing 2-1 would be rare. You'd probably be right, but that wouldn't help explain the Pirates' performances the last two days in San Diego. Both games opened up with Chris Duffy getting on base and scoring in the first inning, then the Pirates not scoring at all while the Padres chalked up 2 runs somewhere between the 4th and 7th innings to take the lead and set the stage for a historic Trevor Hoffman save. Hoffman set the record tonight with save #479. Perhaps in tribute I will listen to "Hell's Bells" and drink beer while trying not to think about any type of football, except maybe Duquesne footbal, which is rarely thought about by anyone.

Also, I'm sorry for making fun of Marty McLeary, he was very acceptable today. Juan Perez, however, continued to let everyone know why he was on the waiver wire by giving up a home run, beaning someone, and getting taken out of the game in the sixth. I think he weighs 120 pounds, but I will need to investigate more. Also, being shut down by two men named Cla(y) like we were today is just plain embarassing. Going 2-4 on this road trip isn't entirely unexpected, but it is a little disappointing since we won our first two in LA. The real question is, if it's only a little disappointing, does that make it a relative success in terms of the way the Pirates do things?