THE BULLPEN

Hey batter, batter, batter! Your Pittsburgh Pirates close out their series with the San Diego Pardres this afternoon at PNC Park. These are your keys to today's game. 1)Following last night's 2-1 loss, Mrs. Black-N-Gold has some good news and some bad news. The good news is that through the first 2 games of this series, the Bucs have held the Padres to just 3 runs. Although, that's not saying much against one of the worst offenses in the Majors. The bad news is, the Pirates have only been able to score 3 runs, also. Last night, they were 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position and left 8 men on base. This was against a pitcher who hadn't won on the road all season. Not good stuff, Bucs. Score early, score often, score BIG! 2)A win today would give the Pirates their first series win over San Diego since PNC Park's inception. The Pirates are the best home team in the NL. Love that home cookin'! 3)San Diego starts RH Tyson Ross, 10-10, 2.62 ERA. In 2 career starts against the Pirates, Ross is 0-1 with a 4.05 ERA. The Pirates will send RH Charlie Morton, 5-10, 3.43 ERA, to the mound. In 4 starts versus San Diego, Ground Chuck is 3-0 with a 1.78 ERA. Hoist the colors today. Raise the Jolly Roger with some Hit, Run, & Score! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!