Pirates Lose 4-1 As Offense Again Fails To Materialize

Still no offense. The Pirates' only run came on a solo blast to left field by Clint Barmes in the third. The Bucs managed just six hits. It was the fourth time in five games the Bucs have had six hits or fewer. The Pirates struck out eight times and didn't walk once.

It won't always be like this, of course. The Pirates will hit their fair share. Well, less than their fair share. Way less. But more than they have so far. In 2011, the Bucs scored 610 runs, compared to the National League average of 668. It's always seemed strange to me that a difference as small as 10 percent is so palpable over the course of a long season, but it really is, and in the Pirates' case, it's manifested in strings of games like this one.

Anyway, Erik Bedard allowed two runs in five innings. The Dodgers scored two more in the seventh, when Dee Gordon started the inning with a double off Tony Watson. Evan Meek then came in and struck out two straight batters, but then the Dodgers hit three singles in a row.

I had a late rehearsal tonight and only came home in time to catch some highlights and a bit of the end of the game. I may have more tomorrow as I get some time to watch it from the beginning.