THE BULLPEN

     Root, root, root for the home team! Your Pittsburgh Pirates are back home as they open a 4-game set tonight with the Washington Gnats at PNC Park. These are your keys for tonight's game. 1)Following last night's 5-1 loss at KC, the Pirates have only 1 win since the All-Star break, losing 5 of 6. The Bucs managed must 1 run 4 times during that stretch. If you want more, you'd better Hit, Run, & Score! 2)The good news is their back home, where they have the 3rd best record in the Majors, 32-16. There's no place like home! 3)The Gnats will start RH Doug Fister, 3-5, 4.30 ERA. The Pirates counter with LH Francisco Liriano, 5-6, 2.98 ERA. Give 'em L and be filthy, Frankie! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!