Pirates Weekend Series

The Bucs seemed to climb out of their offensive slump in the first 3 games of a 4 game series with the Cincinatti Reds before being shutout 4-0 in the Memorial Day game.

Friday they took the game to extra innings with a 2-2 tie then scored 8 runs in the top of the 10th to get the win. Jonah Bayliss got the win(4-2). Ryan Doumit took hit to the back of the head from Ryan Freel and suffered a concussion

Saturday, they started out with a big first inning, pounding Reds' starter(ex-pirate) Bronson Arroyo(2-5) for 4 runs including a 3 run homer by Xavier Nady(7). New 5th starter Shawn Chacon only lasted 3 2/3 innings despite only allowing 1 run. John Grabow(1-1) got the win.

Sunday, the Bucs once again had a huge game with a 14-10 win and Zach Duke(2-5) got the win. Jason Bay(7) and Jack Wilson(2) each homered

Monday, the Bucs were shutout by Kyle Loshe(2-6) who pitched a 6-hit shutout. Ian Snell(4-4) pitched well for the Bucs but got no offensive help. A scary collision between Ryan Freel and Norris Hopper in the 3rd inning delayed the game for 13 minutes while Freel lay motionless on the field. He was carried off the field on a stretcher but later reports said he would be OK

The Pirates are 22-28 and 5.5 games back of the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central. The Pirates start a 3-game series tonight against the San Diego Padres(29-21) at home with the expected starters to be Tom Gorzelanny(5-3) and David Wells(2-2). All games will begin at 7:05 EST