THE BULLPEN

Hey batter, batter, batter! Your Pittsburgh Pirates finish up their series in the nation's capital today as they face the Washington Gnats. These are your keys to today's game. 1)After allowing the Gnats a come-from-behind 4-3 victory last night, the Pirates have lost 4 in a row and look to steal one in Washington to close out the series. Meanwhile, The Gnats go for a season best 6 wins in a row. Veto Washington! 2)The Pirates send RH Edinson Volquez, 10-7, 3.67 ERA, to the hill. Eddy has been steady, winning 6 of his last 7 starts. Right the ship! 3)The Gnats go with RH Doug Fister, 12-3, 2.34 ERA. In his last 7 starts, Fister is 6-1 with a 1.69 ERA. Hit him early, hit him often, hit him HARD with a big dose of Hit, Run & Score! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

Woop, woop, woop! It's time for another Standings Alert! The Pirates and St Louie lost last night, Cincy was postponed and Mil won again. the Bucs remain in 3rd place in the NL Central but are now 4.5 games out and fading fast. Where is the Jolly Roger when you need it? Also, both San Fran and Atl were winners. The Pirates are now on the outside of the NL Wildcard, looking in at .5 games back.