Reds 4, Pirates 0: Duke's Fine Performance Wasted

by Charlie Wilmoth on May 1, 2009 10:09 PM EDT

The best that could be said about this one is that Zach Duke pitched extremely well for seven innings, locating well and generally giving the Reds' hitters fits, although it should be pointed out that the Reds started Jay Bruce, Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips and five AAA players, including someone named "Adam Rosales" who I can't recall ever hearing about (despite following the NL Central pretty closely) who sprinted down the line when he was walked (twice, ugh) with such enthusiasm that I strongly suspect he was actually just a batboy who won a contest or something.

Anyway, Bronson Arroyo shut down the Pirates' offense, and after giving up a single run, Duke begat John Grabow, who gave up a homer to Phillips on his first pitch. And then, in the 32nd year of Tyler's life, in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, on the same day all the fountains of the great deep burst open, and the Floodgates of the 'pen were opened. And lo, the baserunners covered the earth for forty days and forty nights.

Tweet Comment 18 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Are we seeing the collapse?

It does seem like the last four games, we’ve seen the air let out of the ballon. I mean, we haven’t scored a run since the 5th inning on Tuesday and in that time, the opposition has scored 8 runs. It just seems like nothing’s gone right since they went to Milwaukee….

by IAPiratesFan on May 1, 2009 10:51 PM EDT reply actions

I think it’s a little early to call a collapse. Gallardo (a underrated young pitcher in my opinion) pitched a great game to shut down the offense and Arroyo pitched pretty well too. Also no McLouth in that Brewers series hurt a bit.

I think we will know a lot more about these 2009 Pirates after this Reds series wraps up but after just one game, I’m trying not to read too much into it.

I made most of my life decisions at a Foghat concert... I stand by them.

by Chester J Lampwick on May 2, 2009 1:02 AM EDT up reply actions

Agreed Chester...

This series against the Reds, as well as the upcoming series against the Brewers and Cardinals, will tell us exactly how this season is going to go. If we go on a 10-game losing streak, hide the children. But I really don’t expect that, especially with how good our pitching has been. We’re in a little funk right now offensively, but we’re not going to get shut out in every game. This upcoming stretch of games against the NL Central, starting tonight, will be a good measuring stick for how the season is going to go.

by thelumberco. on May 2, 2009 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Not that this team is good

But in a 162 game season, even good teams lose 4 in a row.

And even bad teams have an 11-7 stretch.

by matskralc on May 2, 2009 6:34 AM EDT up reply actions

Yes

The season is way too long to get completely down. I think Pirates fans are just a bit more sensitive because we’ve been burned for so long…

I'm droppin' flava, my behavior is hereditary--but my technique is very necessary.

by phillybucco on May 2, 2009 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Sarcasm becomes you.

by bucdaddy on May 1, 2009 11:10 PM EDT reply actions

Yes

Charlie, you’re really good at this.

by my dixie wrecked on May 2, 2009 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions

Heh. Thanks.

by Charlie Wilmoth on May 2, 2009 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Laroche can suck one

Andy or Adam either one

by Iron Maiden on May 2, 2009 12:26 AM EDT reply actions

haha…man, I thought Ad. LaRoche had bust out of his usual early season slumps. He hasn’t had a hit in three games. Could he be going back to his old form? I think I speak for all Pirate fans when I say “I hope not!” My predicition: He goes 2 for 4 tomorrow night. Hope I’m right.

by thelumberco. on May 2, 2009 12:37 AM EDT up reply actions