THE BULLPEN

Hey batter, batter, batter! Your Pittsburgh Pirates hope to salvage a win this afternoon as they wrap up their series at PNC Park against the San Diegans. These are your keys to today's game. 1)The Pirates have suffered three straight losses to the San Diegans. Avoid #4, bring the Hit, Run, & Score! 2)The last time the Pirates were swept in a four-game series by San Diego was August 8-11, 1996. The streak was only four years old then. Wipe the slate clean and start a WINNING streak! 3)The Pirates have been held to a meager 4 runs in the first three games of this series. Thanks to the Gnats loss last night, the Pirates magic number for the postseason is now 5. There's been alot of magic at the ballpark this week. The Jolly Roger and the Pirates offense have both disappeared. The Pirates need to make them all reappear. Just say the magic word "Abracadabra"! Woop, woop, woop! Standings Alert! You may want to sit down because it's not so good. With last night's loss and St Louie and Cincy's victories, the Pirates are now 2 games in back of St Louie. That Red dot in the rearview mirror is getting bigger as Cincy is 2.5 game out and riding into town for a three-game series beginning tomorrow. Take care of your business and things will magically work themselves out. Don't give up the ship! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!