One Bouncer

The game ended tonight with Garrett Jones crushing an Arthur Rhodes offering over the right field stands bouncing once and ending up in the river. It truly was an offering, because if Garrett Jones had placed that pitch on a tee, it would not have been located any better than where Rhodes put it. Garrett did the rest and knew immediately the result. What a great ending to one of those games that has been going to the other team the last few months.

The games that the Pirates were winning in the first half just haven't been going their way in the 2nd. But the Pirates seem to be taking their frustrations out on the Cards. They have taken the first 2 games of this series and look to sweep tomorrow. This against the team that is trying to keep pace with the Brewers.

Tonight the Pirates had what it took to overcome that late deficit and come out ahead at the end of the game. Jeff Karstens continued his storybook season pitching 5 1/3 innings, giving up 3 runs and keeping the Pirates in the game. Andrew McCutcheon continues to grow daily and become a dominant force in the National League. He cranked out his 17th homer to plate 3 runs.

Neil Walker has had a few chances in the last week to add to his RBIs and pull a few games out late, but has not been able to come through, until tonight that is. With the Pirates down by 1 in the bottom of the ninth Walker came through and delivered the clutch hit to tie up the game and send it to extra innings. Oh yeah, Brandon Wood may have saved the game in the ninth by knocking down a shot down the 3rd base line, staying with it and completing the play at first. It was impressive.



Then it was Garrett Jones turn to feed the fish in the 11th. It was a no doubter as soon as it came off his bat, and he knew it.