Remember when the Buccos were undefeated? Yeah, those good feelings lasted exactly one night.
All the positives of the comeback, late-inning win on opening day proved to be nothing more than a one-time affair. Turns out that Pirates fans were sarcastically optimistic after the 1-0 start to the season. And we were right. The Pirates turned in a stinker last night, losing 9-3 to the Cardinals team that has seemingly had our number throughout the LaRussa era. Here’s some words of wisdom from my buddy Pat:
“On top of Snell’s bad start, the Pirates only mustered five hits (just three after the first two batters of the game) and Andy LaRoche made another bad error (that’s three in two games) that lead to two unearned runs. Donnie Veal then came in to relieve Snell and started his career with the reverse Jordan Schaefer by allowing a home run to Yadier Molina on the third pitch of his career. He then struck out two batters, walked the bases loaded, and struck Chris Duncan out looking. Is there such thing as a three true outcomes pitcher?
One night after wishing I was watching the Pirates instead of a basketball game, I wanted to turn the Pirates off in the sixth inning tonight. I have a bad feeling that there are going to be more of these games this year.”
Now THERE’S the Pirates I know and love. I feel foolish for even thinking that change was imminent. That team we saw on opening night bears little resemblance to any Bucco team from the past 16 years, and their display of competence was a one-night fling.
So we’re back where we’re used to being, Pirates fans. Crushing losses after decent wins to kill any chance at momentum.
But hey, we’re still at .500, amirite?
