Game 12: Pirates 6 Cardinals 1

Now there was a fun win. If I could write up a recipe for a Pirate win, this would be just about how I want all of them to happen. Get a lead in the first, get a solid start, build on the lead, make some plays in the field, and win. The Bucs actually capitalized on another team's error on the first inning in this one when Preston Wilson let Jack Wilson's single slide under his glove, allowing Chris Duffy to score from first. Wilson later scored on Weapon X's RBI single. There was a bit of a scare in the bottom of the first when Albert Pujols ripped a screaming liner up the middle after Tom Gorzelanny walked So Taguchi, but Jose Castillo made an awesome diving grab of the line drive and doubled a shocked Taguchi off of first base. It was really one of the nicest plays I've seen by a second baseman in a long time.

From there, Jack Wilson and Jason Bay hit back to back one out singles in the top of the third, leading to commenter apk to make possibly the most infamous comment in the history of WHYGAVS:

oh, and if LaRoche hits a HR right now (3d), i'll quit my job.
apk | 04.17.07 - 1:51 pm | #

It couldn't have been thirty seconds later that LaRoche lined a homer right down the right field line to give the Bucs a 5-0 lead. Yes, apk, I do need an intern, but I'm afraid your job with me would probably be like the "Kramerica Industries" episode of Seinfeld. Especially the unpaid part.

Anyways, Gorzelanny took over from there, holding the Cards to four hits over 8 and 1/3 innings, only leaving in the 9th after a So Taguchi double and an Albert Pujols walk started to brew some trouble. Gorzy probably wasn't quite as dominating as the final hit total and run total from today indicate (he actually walked three batters and only struck out two), but he's been very impressive in his three starts, especially given his very rough spring. Matt Capps slammed the door shut after taking over in the ninth with strikeouts of Rolen and Preston Wilson to complete the two game sweep.

This win was a much more encouraging one than last night. They actually hit the ball a bit off of Wainwright, who I think people will start to realize is a better pitcher than Reyes pretty soon here, and I didn't have to hold my breath for two innings while waiting for it.