THE BULLPEN

     One, two, three strikes, you're out! Our Pittsburgh Pirates continue the west coast swing today with a matinee in LA versus the Dodgers. These are your keys for today's game. 1)With last night's 5-1 win Pirates pitchers have surrendered just 1 run in the last 2 games. Since the trade deadline, the staff, overall, has really improved. Whether we liked the deadline deals GM Neal Huntington made or not, it seems the Bucs have finally got the staff on track. Now if only today's starter, RH Gerrit Cole, could follow suit. Not too long ago, Mrs. Black-N-Gold went on a rant, chiding the de facto ace of starters to step up his game and pitch like an ace. Cole promptly went out and tossed his 1st career complete game. Since then, he's gotten off track again. Time to get back on the winning track. Hop aboard the Cole Train for a win! 2)The hit or miss offense seems to finally be on the stick, including much-maligned CF Andrew McCutchen. The Bucs bats have scored 9 runs in the past 2 games. There's always room for more Hit, Run & Score! 3)Don't look now but the Pirates are now just 1 game out for the 2nd wild card spot in the standings. You gotta win to get in! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!