THE BULLPEN

Put me in coach! Your Pittsburgh Pirates open a 3-game series tonight in the nation's capital as they battle the Washington Gnats. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1)The Gnats have won 6 of their last 8. The Pirates are looking for the win column after dropping 2 straight to the Tigers. Swat the Gnats with a big can of Hit, Run, & Score! 2)Neil Walker's back? That's the rumor. He was in the on-deck circle in Detroit yesterday when the Pirates ran out of gas. Manager Clint Hurdle is hoping he can use Homeboy in more than a pinch-hitting role beginning tonight. Don't forget to bring the Jolly Roger with you, Homeboy! 3)The Pirates send RH Charlie Morton, 5-11, 3.62 ERA to the mound. The Gnats will go with RH Tanner Roark, 11-7, 2.86 ERA. In 5 of Roark's last 6 starts, he has held opponents to 1 run over 7 innings. Score early, score often, score BIG! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!