THE BULLPEN

Hit the ball and touch 'em all! Your Pittsburgh Pirates begin a 3-game series tonight at PNC Park against the Cincinnati Reds. These are you keys to tonight's game. 1)For the first time ever, the Pirates have won 15 games in the first 2 months of a season. Wins are like money, you can never have enough! 2)The Pirates are 5 games up in the wild-card and have the second best record in MLB. I know it's early but I can dream, can't I?! 3)Last year the Pirates tossed 10 shutouts. This season, they've already thrown 9. Shut down Cincy and get at them with the ol' Hit, Run, & Score, oh my! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

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THE BULLPEN

The crack of the bat, the thrill of the hit! Your Pittsburgh Pirates wrap up their home-and-home series with the Detroit Kitties tonight at PNC Park. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1)The Pirates are 8-2 in their last 10 games and have won 6 straight at home. They're looking for their 3rd win in a row and a 2-game sweep of the Kitties. Better bring your brooms tonight because the Bucs are going to clean house! 2)The Pirates start LH Jeff Locke, 5-1 with a 2.45 ERA. Locke is going for his 3rd consecutive win and has allowed no runs in his last 14 innings. Locke and load! 3)The Pirates have held Miguel Carbrera, MLB's leading hitter with a .368 BA to 2 of 14 with 5 strikeouts in the home-and-home series. Shut him down! It's a shame A.J. couldn't get the run support last night but we still got the win. Keep at 'em with the ol' Hit, Run, & Score! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

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THE BULLPEN

Rounding third and headed for home! Your Pittsburgh Pirates begin a 2-game series against the Detroit Kitties tonight at PNC Park. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1)Homeboy Neil Walker is starting to heat up. In his last 5 games, Homeboy is 9 for 21 with 5 extra base hits, 4 runs and 4 RBIs including last night's game-winning homer in the 11th. Homeboy is on fire! 2)The Pirates have extra-base hits in 47 straight games, longest streak in the majors this season. Take that extra-base! 3)Since May 3, the 3 best teams in MLB are Cincy, St. Louie, and the Pirates. Just continue to take it one game at a time and the rest will sort itself out. Take care of business tonight by giving A.J. Burnett some run support with the tried and true mantra of Hit, Run, & Score! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

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THE BULLPEN

Let's go, let's go, he can't hit, he can't hit! Your Pittsburgh Pirates try to even things out and tame the Kitties tonight in Detroit. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1)The Pirates send RH Jeanmar Gomez to the mound. Gomez is 2-0 with a 2.75 ERA. The Pirates have won all 5 games started by Gomez. In Jeanmar we trust! 2)The Kitties have won 6 of their last 7 games. The Bucs stop 'em here! 3)The Kitties start RH Rick Porcello who is 2-2 with a 6.28 ERA. In Porcello's last start, he surrendered 5 runs on 10 hits in 5 innings in a no decision versus the Twins. Score early, score often, score BIG with the old Hit, Run, & Score! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

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THE BULLPEN

Play ball! Your Pittsburgh Pirates take their show on the road to Detroit to take on the Motor City Kitties this afternoon. These are your keys to the game. 1)The Pirates are winners of 13 of their last 15 games. They've also won 5 series in a row. Showdown in Motown! 2)The Pirates are a season-high 12 games above .500. Get lucky 13! 3)It's a tale of 2 pitchers. Detroit starter Justin Verlander, 5-4 with a 3.66 ERA, has given up 17 runs in his last 3 starts, 12 2/3 innings. Hit him early, hit him often, hit him HARD. Pirates starter Francisco Liriano is 3-0 with a 1.00 ERA and has given up 2 runs in 18 innings with 25 strikeouts. Give Frankie lots of support with the ol' Hit, Run, & Score! Let's Go Bucs!!!!! A big black-n-gold shout out to all our veterans, too. Thank you!

THE BULLPEN

One, two, three strikes you're out. Your Pittsburgh Pirates look to sample Milwaukee meatloaf today as they try to take 2 outta 3 today at Miller Park. These are your keys today's game. 1)After losing the first game of a series, the Pirates record is 24-9, 11-5 in the second game. 2 outta 3 ain't bad! 2) The Pirates blasted 4 home runs in yesterday's 5-2 win, 1 by Clutch, 1 by Homeboy and 2 by Petey. Chicks dig the long ball! 3)The Pirates start LH Wandy Rodriguez, 5-2 with a 3.40 ERA. Milwaukee is an MLB-worst 4-16 versus lefties. They also have the worst record in the majors for this month, 5-17. Help us, Wandy! And help Wandy with lots of Hit, Run & Score! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

THE BULLPEN

Hey batter, batter, batter! Your Pittsburgh Pirates look to get back in the win column against the Milwaukee Boo Crew today at Miller Park. These are your keys to today's game. 1)Milwaukee tries to win back-to-back games at home for the first time in the month of May tonight. Can the Pirates wear their home uniforms today? Maybe that will trick them into forgetting that Miller Park has been the House of Horrors for them. Turn this ship around! 2)Milwaukee is 5-16 for the month of May. The Pirates need to make the Boo Crew yell "Mayday, mayday"! 3)Milwaukee has won 3 of 4 at home this season against the Pirates and 7 of the last 8 versus the Bucs at Miller Park. Look, we're not talking about the '27 Yankees, for crying out loud. It's Milwaukee. And they're starting a guy, Mike Fiers, who is 1-2 with a 5.93 ERA. He's been demoted to the minors and the bullpen this season. Make these jokers walk the plank and raise the jolly roger in Miller Park! Give them the ol' Hit, Run, & Score! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

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SLAP SHOTS

It's a playoff hockey night in Pittsburgh! Your Pittsburgh Penguins faceoff against the Ottawa Senators tonight at Consol Energy Center. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1)Coach Disco is 0-6 at home in series-clinching games. That trend ends tonight! 2)The Pens were the highest-scoring team in the NHL during the regular season. Now they're the highest-scoring team during the playoffs. Goals, Goals, Goals, baby! 3)The Pens erupted for 4 of their 7goals in the 3rd period on Wednesday and have chased Ottawa goalie Craig Anderson from 2 of 4 games. You can run, but you can't hide! Veto these Senators tonight and get rested up for the next round! Let's Go Pens!!!

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THE BULLPEN

Schlemeel, schlemazel! Your Pittsburgh Pirates are in Milwaukee tonight to start a 3-game series with the Boo Crew. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1)True, Miller Park is a House of Horrors for the Bucs. It hasn't been all that good to the home team, this year, either. Milwaukee is 11-13 at home. They're also 3-7 in their last 10 games. The Pirates have won 4 in a row. Keep the drive alive with #5! 2)Jason Grilli has converted all 19 of his save opportunities this season to lead the majors in that category. Grill up the Boo Crew, Grilled Cheese! 3)Yesterday the Pirates stole 3 bases in their 4-2 victory. The Marte Partay had 1 and Clutch had 2. Run wild in Milwaukee! In order to turn things around, you've got to always remember and don't ever forget: Hit, Run, & Score, oh my! Let's Go Bucs!!!!! 

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THE BULLPEN

Rounding third and headed for home! Your Pittsburgh Pirates look to break out the brooms and sweep the Scrubs all the way back to Chicago today as they wrap up their series at PNC Park. These are your keys to today's game. 1)It's a tale of two teams as the Scrubs have lost 3 straight and the Pirates have won 3 in a row. Let's get more with #4! 2)The Scrubs batting average with runners in scoring position is a league-worst .214. Leave those ducks on the pond! 3)The Pirates have won 10 of their last 12. During that stretch, they have an ERA of 2.15. Combine quality pitching with lots of Hit, Run, & Score and that's a recipe for victory. Time to clean house today! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

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SLAP SHOTS

It's a great day for playoff hockey! Your Pittsburgh Penguins look to get back in the win column tonight as they faceoff against the Ottawa Senators. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1)Treat this game 4 like it's game 7. Bounce back from that double OT loss on Sunday. Shake it off and shake them up! 2)It's important to shift the momentum back in the Pens favor. Take the Sens and the crowd out of it early. Score early, score often, score BIG with lots and lots of Goals, Goals, Goals! 3)Keep your eyes on the prize. You gotta want it to win it.  Don't stop tell we get to Lord Stanley's Cup! Let's Go Pens!!!

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THE BULLPEN

Take me out to the ballgame! Your Pittsburgh Pirates look to make it 2 in a row tonight against the Chicago Scrubs at PNC Park. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1)In their last 11 games, Pirates pitchers have a 2.34 ERA and have held opponents to a .223 batting average. Line 'em up and knock 'em down! 2)Scrubs starter Jeff Samardzjia is 4-0 with a 0.69 ERA in his last 4 games at PNC. For crying out loud! This is Jeff Samardzjia, not Cy Friggin' Young. Hit him early, hit him often, hit him HARD! 3)Pirates starter Francisco Liriano is 2-0 with a 1.64 ERA in his first 2 starts of the season. When they think they have the answers, Frankie changes the questions! We need all of the Hit, Run, & Score we can get tonight! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

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THE BULLPEN

Buy me some peanuts and crackerjacks! Your Pittsburgh Pirates begin a series with the Chicago Scurbs tonight at PNC Park. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1)Pirates pitchers have thrown 6 shutouts this year. 5 of them were on 3 hits or less. Shut down the Scrubs! 2)Clutch and Petey are starting to come around. Clutch has 3 multi-hit games in a row to raise his average to .281. Petey has hit homers in back-to-back games. The hits just keep on coming! 3)Jason Grilli leads the MLB with 17 saves. Nothing beats home-cooked grilled cheese! The Pirates are at 26-18 while the Scrubs are 18-25. If you want to be an elite team, you have to beat the good teams and beat up the bad teams. Why do you think they're called the Scrubs? Give them a case of the old Hit, Run, & Score! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

THE BULLPEN

Play ball! Your Pittsburgh Pirates close out their series today with the Houston Asstros at PNC Park. These are your keys to today's game. 1)The Pirates are looking to win 2 outta 3 and 8 of 10. Make mincemeat out of these guys buy serving up some home cooked Meatloaf today! 2)Pirates starter Jeff Locke is 2-0 with a 2.10 ERA in his last 5 starts and is looking for his 4th win in a row. Locke and load! 3)Andrew Mc"Clutch"en is starting to break out. In his last 3 game, Clutch is batting .500, 7 for 14, with a homer and 3 doubles. We need Clutch to be clutch! It's also Throwback Sunday at the ballpark today. I could be wrong but I think the Bucs are undefeated in the throwback unis. Love those unis! They look even better when we Hit, Run, & Score! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

SLAP SHOTS

It's a great day for "playoff" hockey. Your Pittsburgh Penguins faceoff against the Ottawa Senators tonight in game 3 of their playoff series with the Pens up 2-0. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1)In this series the Penguins have held the Senators power play to 1 of  7. Keep those special teams special! 2)The Sens haven't lost a home playoff game yet this year. That's because they haven't played the Pens in a home playoff game yet this year, silly! 3)Sidney Crosby leads the Pens with 6 playoff goals. Evgeni Malkin leads the team in the playoffs with 14 points and 11 assists. Glad to see our big guns breaking out and busting loose. Did anyone pack the Motley Crue for the road trip? Need to take their crowd out of it tonight with lots of Goals, Goals, Goals! Let's Go Pens!!!

THE BULLPEN

Root, root, root for the home team! Your Pittsburgh Pirates continue their series tonight against the Houston Asstros at PNC Park. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1)Thanks to the Asstros, the Pirates picked up their season-high 4th win in a row last night, and 7th out of 8. For the past 20 years, the Pirates were the team that would find ways to lose the game. Call us jelly 'cause we're on a roll! 2)It's a tale of 2 pitchers tonight. A.J. Burnett is on the mound for the Pirates. A.J. is 3-4 with a 2.73 ERA. Former Pirate Erik Bedard starts for Houston. He is 0-2 with a 6.67 ERA. In his 9 starts, A.J. hasn't given up more than 3 earned runs in a game. Shut 'em down, A.J.! 3)A.J. leads the NL with 72 strikeouts. Houston batters lead the majors in strikeouts with 417. Mow 'em down, A.J.! We had a little good luck smiling down on us last night. Let's get to BUCN tonight with the ol' Hit, Run, & Score! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

THE BULLPEN

The crack of the bat, the thrill of the hit! Your Pittsburgh Pirates begin a 3-game series tonight at PNC Park against the Houston Asstros. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1)When leading after 8 innings, the Pirates are 23-0 this season. The shark tank smells blood! 2)It's a tale of 2 teams as the Pirates go for a season-high 4 wins in a row tonight, and 7 of their last 8. The Asstros are 3 of 7 in their last 10. Last season, the Pirates were 12-5 versus Houston, including 8 for 10 at home. There's no place like home! 3)Houston starter Jordan Lyles, 1-1, 8.36 ERA is 0-4 with a 7.77 ERA in 5 career starts against the Pirates. Hit him early, hit him often, hit him HARD. Let's see lots of Hit, Run, & Score, oh my! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

SLAP SHOTS

It's a hockey night in Pittsburgh! The road to the Cup continues as your Pittsburgh Penguins faceoff against the Ottawa Senators tonight at Consol Energy Center. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1)Evgeni Malkin, Sidney Crosby, Jarome Iginla, Pascal Dupuis, Paul Martin and Kris Letang all averaged at least 1 point per game in round 1. Let's see what all those guys can do in round 2! 2)In game 1, the Pens scored on 2 of 3 power plays. The penalty kill killed all 6 chances. Duper scored a short-handed goal. The special teams are looking extra-special! 3)The penalty kill is so special that they've only allowed 2 goals out of 26 during the playoffs. Don't let them take advantage of the man-advantage! Another way to fight that is to stay outta the box! I'm in a Motley Crue kind of mood today so let's see lots of Goals, Goals, Goals tonight! Let's Go Pens!!!

THE BULLPEN

Buy me some peanuts and crackerjacks! Your Pittsburgh Pirates close out their series with the Milwaukee Boo-Crew tonight at PNC Park. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1)The Pirates have won 5 of 6. They go for 3 in a row over Milwaukee. Did I just type that? When is the last time the Pirates took 3 in a row from the Boo-Crew? If it's 3, it's for me! 2)The Pirates start LH Francisco Liriano tonight. In 7 career starts versus Milwaukee, Liriano is 4-2 with a 3.86 ERA. Mow 'em down, Frankie! 3)Milwaukee's starting rotation has been miserable in the month of May, with a 6.59 ERA, while the team has gone 2-11. Hit 'em early, hit 'em often, hit 'em HARD with lots of Hit, Run, & Score, get this team out the door! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

THE BULLPEN

Rounding third and headed for home! Your Pittsburgh Pirates look to serve Milwaukee some meatloaf tonight at PNC Park as they try to take 2 outta 3 from the Boo-Crew. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1)It has not been a merry, merry month of May for Milwaukee. They have lost 10 out of 12 and are 1 for 4 on their current 10-game road trip. Don't roll out that welcome mat! 2)Milwaukee starter Yovanni Gallardo is 10-1 with a 2.27 ERA for his career versus the Pirates. In Gallardo's last 2 starts, he is 0-1 with a 6.30 ERA. No one tell Yovanni that he's pitching against the Bucs! 3)The Pirates send Wandy Rodriguez to the mound tonight. In Wandy's last 7 home starts, he is 4-1 with a 1.90 ERA. There's no place like home! Now go out there and give 'em the ol' Hit, Run, & Score & send them out the door! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

SLAP SHOTS

It's a hockey night in Pittsburgh! Round 2 gets under way tonight as your Pittsburgh Penguins face off against the Ottawa Senators at Consol Energy Center. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1)The Sens record on the road this season was 10-11-3. Give them a rude welcome! 2)Ottawa goalie Craig Anderson has a 1.80 GAA and .950 save percentage during the playoffs. Score early, score often, score BIG with lots of Goals, Goals, Goals! 3)The Pens penalty kill is at 90% during the playoffs. Don't let them take advantage of the man-advantage! The road to the Cup continues....Happy Pucks & Bucs Day! Let's Go Pens!!!

THE BULLPEN

Hit the ball and touch 'em all! Your Pittsburgh Pirates look to get back in the win column tonight and remove the Milwaukee Monkey off their backs at PNC Park. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1)The Pirates 6-4 victory on May 1 over Milwaukee is their only win in the last 11 matchups. We're due for #2! 2)Kyle Lohse is on the hill for Milwaukee tonight. He is 1-4 with a 3.53 ERA. Milwaukee has scored one run or less in 5 of Lohse's 7 starts this season. Mix in a little Hit, Run, & Score and that's a recipe for victory! 3)Milwaukee stole 6 bags en route to a 5-1 win last night. Thou shalt not steal tonight! But seriously, folks, if you want to be considered a contender you have to beat the bad teams and the teams in your division. Milwaukee is both. Beat 'em like rented mules! Happy Bucs & Pucks Day! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

BLUES N'AT

Recently, a DJ took pity on me and sent me a free copy of Michael "Iron Man" Burks' last CD, "Show of Strength"(thank you Jon Norton from WGLT). I had incorrectly called in to win another CD, not realizing the show was pre-recorded. The DJ asked me what type of blues I like and I told him that I liked a blues/rock mix. He told me that he'd send me the Michael Burks CD and how it was his final CD as he passed away last May. Almost a year to the day of his passing, the Iron Man posthumously won the Album of the Year Award at the 2013 Blues Music Awards in Memphis. It's plain to see when you give this album a listen as to why it is Album of the Year. I'd never heard of Michael Burks prior to this. When the CD came in the mail, I eagerly opened the package like a kid at Christmas. Boy, it did not disappoint. Iron Man does, indeed, show his strength on this CD with his fabulous fretwork, evoking images of Clapton and the Allman Brothers. Don't get me wrong, though. This album is pure Iron Man, through and through. His guitar skill set is a slow-burn kind of blues with the ability to amp it up at will. Stand out tracks include the opener, "Count on You", "Storm Warning", "Little Juke Joint" and "24 Hour Blues". The closer, "Feel Like Going Home" is appropriate considering Iron Man's passing. He left us oh so young, at 54. I can't help but wonder if making this song the closer was intentional or coincidental. It serves as a reminder to what might have been for Michael. Get "Show of Strength" and listen for your self why it was Album of the Year. RIP Michael "Iron Man" Burks.

THE BULLPEN

Root, root, root for the home team! Your Pittsburgh Pirates return to PNC Park tonight to battle the Milwaukee Brew-has. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1)It's a tale of two teams as the Pirates cruise home riding a 3-game winning streak. Tonight, they'll go for a season-high 4 in a row. The Brew-has have lost 9 of their last 10. Milwaukee has been an anchor around the Pirates neck for the past several seasons. Can the Buccos finally find buried treasure? Score early, score often, score BIG! 2)The Pirates have dropped 10 of their last 13 at home versus Milwaukee. Get 'em with the ol' Hit, Run, & Score! 3)The Pirates send their ace to the hill tonight. A.J. Burnett has allowed 2 runs or less in his last 5 starts. Make 'em walk the plank, A.J.! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

THE BULLPEN

Hit the ball and touch 'em all! Your Pittsburgh Pirates go for 3 out of 4 this afternoon at Citi Field against the New Yawk Mets. These are your keys to today's game. 1)Starling Marte continues to impress in his first full season in the bigs. He is 5th in the NL with a .336 batting average, he leads the lead in hits, 48, and runs, 28 and also leads the league with 16 multi-hit games. If this kids not an All-Star this year, I don't know who is. The Marte Partay rolls on! 2)Yesterday the Pirates recorded season highs for runs with 11, and hits with 16. The also blasted 3 home runs. Jose Tabata knocked out 1 and Jordy Mercer pounded 2. The hits just keep on coming! 3)The Pirates will have their hands full today. Mets right-handed rookie phenom Matt Harvey takes the mound. Harvey is 4-0 and leads the league with a 1.28 ERA. This kid can't go undefeated all season, can he? Someone will get to him somehow, right? Why not us and why not now? Light him up with the old Hit, Run, & Score. Happy Mother's Day & Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

SLAP SHOTS

It's a great day for hockey! Your Pittsburgh Penguins are on Long Island tonight to faceoff against the New Yawk Isles of Misfit Toys in game 6. The quest for the Cup continues and these are your keys to tonight's game. 1)Penguins goalie Tomas Vokoun continued his mastery of the Isles on Thursday night, shutting them out. On the season, Vokoun is 4-0 with a 0.69 GAA versus the Isles. Shut 'em down, Tommy! 2)Vokoun has allowed the Isles to score is 122 minutes, 28 seconds, dating back to March. Shut 'em out, Tommy! 3)The Pens lead this series 3 games to 2. Why don't we wrap it up tonight and put a nice big black-n-gold bow on it? Cue the Crue for some Goals, Goals, Goals! Let's Go Pens!!!

THE BULLPEN

One, two, three strikes, you're out! Your Pittsburgh Pirates go for 2 in a row at Citi Field today against the New Yawk Mets. These are your keys to today's game (weather permitting). 1)The Pirates may be 9-9 on the road but they have some players that are real road warriors. GI Jones is batting .327 with 4 homers, 6 doubles and 12 RBIs on the road this season. Love that takeout food! 2)Starling Marte is another road warrior. Last night he had 3 hits and 1 RBI and is hitting .355 on the road. Take that Marte Partay on the road! 3)Mets starter John Niese is 0-3 with a 5.68 ERA in his last 4 starts. The Mets have dropped 6 of 8 at home. Keep road trippin' up these New Yawkers! Need to get in lots of Hit, Run, & Score today before the rains come. Let's Go Bucs!!!!! 

THE BULLPEN

The crack of the bat, the thrill of the hit! Your Pittsburgh Pirates try to get back in the win column tonight against the New Yawk Mets in the Big Apple. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1)The Pirates are trying to avoid a 3rd consecutive loss and 5th out of 6 games. Time to right the ship! 2)Pirates starter Wandy Rodriguez is 3-0 with a 2.00 ERA in his last 4 starts versus the Mets. However, Wandy is trying not to lose his 3rd start in a row. Help us, Wandy! 3)Although the rest of the Pirates batting order has been asleep, 2 of our big bats have awoken from their slumber. Clutch has a .469 batting average with 2 homers and 5 RBIs in his last 8 games. Pedro went 2 for 3 last night with a home run. Hits are contagious, share them with the rest of the team! We need some Hit, Run, & Score, more, more more! Let's Go Bucs!!!!! 

THE BULLPEN

One, two, three strikes you're out! Your Pittsburgh Pirates try to take a bite out of the Big Apple tonight as they're in New Yawk to battle the Mets. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1)The Pirates have lost their last 5 of 8. Time to right the ship! 2)In their last 5 games, the Pirates are 4 for 38 with runners in scoring position. Don't leave the ducks on the pond! 3)Meanwhile, the Mets have lost 8 of 11. Kick 'em while they're down! What's the recipe for victory? A whole lot of Hit, Run, & Score! Mets starter Dillon Gee is 2-4 with a 6.16 ERA. The Bucs have a way of making guys like this look like Cy Young. Tonight, let's say "sayonara" to that way of thinking. Hit him early, hit him often, hit him HARD! Let's Go Bucs!!!!! 

SLAP SHOTS

Get in the fast lane, Grandma, the bingo game is ready to roll! The Stanley Cup playoffs roll on tonight as your Pittsburgh Penguins faceoff against the New Yawk Isles of Misfit Toys tonight at Consol Energy Center. The Pens will need alot of energy tonight as the series is tied at 2 games each. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1)Tomas Vokoun gets the start in goal for the Pens. During the regular season, Vokoun was 13-4 with 3 shutouts, going 3-0 with a 0.90 GAA versus the Isles. Shut 'em down, Vokoun! 2)The Isles haven't been to the second round of the playoffs in 20 years, beating the Penguins in 7 games to advance back in '93. No flashbacks tonight, fellas! 3)Got to score alot of Goals, Goals, Goals tonight and keep the Isles from doing the same. The Pens need to play with a sense of urgency, not panic. The Isles are an 8th seed, for crying out loud. Act like every game in this series is game 7. You gotta want it, to win it! Go hard or go home! Let's Go Pens!!!

THE BULLPEN

Let's play 2! Break out the broom as your Pittsburgh Pirates look to sweep their 2-game series with the Seattle Ancient Mariners today at PNC Park. These are your keys to today's game. 1)It's King Felix versus Emperor AJ. Seattle starter Felix Hernandez is 4-2 with a 1.60 ERA and is 4th in the AL in strikeouts. Pirates starter A.J.Burnett is 3-2 with a 2.57 ERA and leads the NL in strikeouts. Felix is about to find out why A.J. is king in these parts. Mow 'em down, A.J.! 2)Both A.J. and Felix are looking for the 4th consecutive victory. Something has got to give. Hit Felix early, hit him often, hit him HARD! 3)Andrew McCutchen is turning into "Clutch". Last night, Clutch was 4 for 4 with a run batted in. Clutch has raised his batting average 60 points, to .276, in the last 7 games, going 13 of 28 with 5 RBIs. Come through in the "Clutch"! We definitely need as much of the ol' standby today as possible: Hit, Run, Score, More, More, More! Let's Go Bucs!!!!! 

SLAP SHOTS

Scratch my back with a hacksaw, it's a great day for hockey! Time for another playoff edition of Pucks & Bucs. Your Pittsburgh Penguins are on Long Island tonight to faceoff against the New Yawk Isles of Misfit Toys. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1)The Penguins penalty kill is playing at a 90.9% clip. The Isles power play is 9.1%. Those are great numbers but it's better to stay out of the penalty box. Don't give them the man advantage! 2)Evgeni Malkin leads the Pens with 5 assists & 6 total points in these playoffs. In Geno we trust! 3)In the last 2 games, the Pens have surrendered 8 goals to the Isles. Where's the D? Tighten up and shut 'em down! Follow that up with some Goals, Goals, Goals and you have a recipe for success. The Quest for the Cup continues....Man up and bring the A game! Let's Go Pens!!! 

THE BULLPEN

Root, root, root for the home team! It's another edition of Bucs & Pucks as your Pittsburgh Pirates begin a 2-game series tonight at PNC Park versus the Seattle Ancient Mariners. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1)Pirates catcher Russell Martin leads the league by throwing out 7 attempted base stealers this season. Go ahead, run on Russell. I dare ya! 2)Seattle starter Aaron Harang has won 5 in a row at PNC. Time to shut him down! 3)Former Pirates OF and ROY Jason Bay returns to the 'Burgh. In his career, Bay is batting .143 against his old team. I sure hope that hitting is contagious to his current teammates. Show him up with the Hit, Run, & Score! Let's Go Bucs!!!!! 

BLUES N'AT

Have you ever been to a Jill West and Blues Attack show? If you haven't, why not? Luckily, the band has released the next best thing: the new CD "Bootleg Blues Live". It was recorded live at Moondog's in Blawnox, PA before the band left to represent the Blues Society of Western PA at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis back in January 2012. When the show opens up, guitarist Gregg Krupa introduces Jill as the "queen of the Pittsburgh blues scene". If you don't know why they call her that, you're about to find out, in spades. The CD opens up with "Big Boss Man" a tune made famous by legendary bluesman Jimmy Reed. This is a rip-roaring version with keyboardist "Sudden" Steve Binsberger (who also produced the CD) setting the tone with a juke-joint worthy solo. Then guitarist Gregg Krupa lights it up with one of his many electrifying solos. Jill sings that she's looking for a big boss man, one that will treat her right. We all know that it's "Big Mama" herself that's the REAL boss. The next song is a JWBA original. "The Other Woman" is a rocking tune off of their "Faceful of Blues" CD. This cut proves why this band is tighter than two coats of paint. Plus, the addition of guest saxophonist Phil Brontz just makes the equation even better. Next up is "Love Her with a Feelin'", a Tampa Red song. Gregg Krupa proves why I call him the " Eric Clapton of Pittsburgh" on this one. Then comes "Perfect Fit" off of their first CD, "Code Blue". "Perfect Fit" is the right title for this one. It proves that Jill West and Blues Attack are, indeed, THE "perfect fit". This rave-up gives Phil a chance to wail on sax, as well. Now it's time for Jill to take a break. She lets Gregg man the mike for "Whiskey", from his Boogie Monster days. This song lets everyone catch their breath by slowing it down with country-soaked blues. When Jill hits the stage again, she starts off by asking the crowd "Is it hot in here?". JWBA fans know that that line is what leads into the original tune "Hotflash" from "Headline Blues". Boy, the Blues Attack make it even hotter with this scorching, red-hot tune.  Next up is Koko Taylor's "Voodoo Woman". On this one, JWBA do that voodoo that they do so well by amping this one up a notch. Jill does Koko proud on this one. While Jill takes five, the band does "Heads Down" an original instrumental that keeps things moving. This song proves why Jill West says she has the best band around. No doubt, Jill. After that comes "Castin' My Spell on You" by Johnny Otis. If JWBA don't have your under their spell by now, what in the world is wrong with you? They really add another layer to this song with their rich, full sound. Next up is the Etta James song "Damn Your Eyes". As a veteran of a few Jill West shows, I've heard her perform this song more than once. I feel this is the best version I've heard. The sax really sizzles on this one. And Jill's singing is a fitting tribue to Etta's original. "Can I Change My Mind" from Tyrone Davis follows. They keep the flow pretty mellow with their take. Sudden Steve shows why he's "Chairman of the Boards". Throughout this song and the entire CD, rhythm section, drummer Nick Crano and bassist Hank Raffetto, are the glue that holds it all together. And Jill West is the straw that stirs the drink that is this wonderful, intoxicating cocktail of blues. They kick it back up a notch with Sonny Landreth's "Congo Square" after that. It's a rollicking rave-up that transports you down to New Awlins. "Talk to Me Baby" brings the party to an end with this down and dirty take on the Elmore James song. Phil Brontz's sax adds a horny dimension to it (pun is always intended). The good news is with "Bootleg Blues Live" you can take the party with you and keep it going. Party on! 

THE BULLPEN

Hey batter, batter, batter. It's Bucs & Pucks Day as your Pittsburgh Pirates finish out their 3-game series today at PNC Park against the Washington Gnats. These are your keys to today's game. 1)The Gnats send LH Gio Gonzalez to the mound today. In his last 4 starts, Gonzalez is 1-2, giving up 18 runs, 20 hits and 14 walks in 21 innings. Hit him early, hit him often, hit him HARD! 2)The Gnats are hitting .174, 8 of 46, with runners in scoring position, during the last 7 games. Leave those ducks on the pond! 3)The Marte Partay continues....Starling Marte has 3 homer runs in his last 4 games. Partay on, dude! The Bucs gave up way too many free passes yesterday. Keep 'em off the base paths and keep on BUCN with the ol' Hit, Run, & Score! Got to serve up some home style Meatloaf today and take 2 outta 3. Let's Go Bucs!!!!! 

SLAP SHOTS

I'll be cow-kicked, it's a great day for hockey! Your Pittsburgh Penguins travel to New Yawk to faceoff against the Isles of Misfit Toys this afternoon. It's another Pucks & Bucs Playoff edition as the series is tied at 1 game apiece. These are your keys to today's game. 1)The Isles haven't played a playoff game on their home ice in 6 years. It will be a tough crowd in a tough building. Bring your A game and go hard or go home! 2)The Pens were shutout for the final 40 minutes of Friday night's 4-3 loss. Don't forget to pack the Motley Crue for the road trip. We need some Goals, Goals, Goals! 3)The Isles were 10-11-3 at home during the regular season. The Pens were 18-6 on the road. The Pens love the takeout food! Score early, score often, score BIG and keep them off  the scoreboard! Let's Go Pens!!! 

THE BULLPEN

Root, root, root for the home team. Your Pittsburgh Pirates continue their series against the Washington Gnats today at PNC Park. These are your keys to today's game. 1)RH Stephen Strasburg starts for the Gnats. Strasburg is on a four-start winless streak. Keep the drive alive and give him number 5! 2)The Gnats have lost 4 of 6. The Pirates are looking for their 3rd win in a row, and 5th straight at home. There's no place like home! 3)In 6 straight games the Gnats have scored 3 or fewer runs. Pirates starter Jeff Locke has pitched 13 straight scoreless innings. Lock 'em down, Jeff! The Pirates need to Locke & load with the ol' Hit, Run, & Score! Let's Go Bucs!!!!! 

THE BULLPEN

Take me out to the ballgame! It's Bucs and Pucks tonight as your Pittsburgh Pirates take on the Washington Gnats at PNC Park. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1)The Gnats are looking for their 3rd win in a row. The Pirates have won 3 consecutive games at PNC. Something has got to give. Nothing beats home cooking! 2)In his last 3 starts, Pirates starter A.J. Burnett is 2-0 with a 2.00 ERA. Shut 'em down, A.J.! 3)Andrew "Clutch" McCutchen has a .442 batting average with 10 homers and 21 RBIs in 23 games against the Gnats. Come through in the Clutch! Swat down these nasty Gnats with a whole lot o' Hit, Run, & Score! Let's Go Bucs!!!!! 

SLAP SHOTS

It's a hockey night in Pittsburgh, time for another playoff edition of Pucks & Bucs. Your Pittsburgh Penguins faceoff in game 2 tonight at Consol Energy Center against the New York Isles of Misfit Toys. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1)The Isles will be looking for revenge and try to knock the Pens off of their game. Don't be had. Don't take this team lightly and play your game! 2)In Wednesday's 5-0 victory, the Flower stopped all 26 shots en route to recording his 6th career playoff goose egg. Those goose eggs are all they're cracked up to be. Shut 'em down! 3)Also on Wednesday, the Pens' power play scored twice. Take advantage of that man-advantage! I wouldn't mind seeing a repeat of Wednesday's game with lots of Goals, Goals, Goals for our team and zero for them! Let's Go Pens!!! 

THE BULLPEN

Let's play 2! It's Bucs & Pucks today as your Pittsburgh Pirates try to salvage a win in the House of Horrors at Milwaukee this afternoon. These are your keys to today's game. 1)It's not a House of Horrors for Clutch. He's finally finding his grove, going 5 for 9 with a homer and 3 RBIs in this series. Come through in the clutch! 2)Russell Martin has 4 homers in his last 4 games. Chicks dig the long ball! 3)The Pirates have gotten the lead in each of the 1st 2 games only to watch it slip away and lose the game. Not only do you need to Hit, Run, & Score, ya gotta hold 'em Bucs! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!
 

SLAP SHOTS

It's a hockey night in Pittsburgh, Pucks & Bucs Playoff Edition. The hockey season REALLY starts now. Your Pittsburgh Penguins faceoff against the NY Isles of Misfit Toys tonight at Consol Energy Center. As the quest for Lord Stanley's Cup begins, these are your keys to tonight's game. 1)The Isles are in the playoffs for the first time since '07 and have not made it past the 1st round in 20 years. It's up to the Pens to remind them what playoff hockey is all about. Knock their blocks off! 2)The Penguins finished the regular season with a plus-46 goal differential, 2nd in the NHL to Chicago. Goals, Goals, Goals, baby! 3)The newbie Penguins, Jarome Iginla, Brenden Morrow, Douglas Murray, and Jussi Jokinen, are hungry. Give them a taste of the Cup! No early exits this season. Go hard or go home! Let's Go Pens!!!