THE BULLPEN

     Rounding third and heading for home! Our Pittsburgh Pirates wrap up their road trip in Atlanta tonight when they face the Braves. These are your keys for tonight's game. 1)"One Step Foward, Two Steps Back". That is the story of the 2016 Pittsburgh Baseball Club. The Pirates took a HUGE step back in the standings last night, losing to the worst team in baseball, the Atlanta Braves, 8-4. The Bucs staked starter Jeff Locke to a 4-0, 1st inning lead and then went absolutely nowhere. Mrs. Black-N-Gold cannot say it enough with this pitching staff. Score early, score often, score BIG: Hit, Run, & Score! 2)Everyone agreed that the Bucs could/should make hay with this portion of the schedule. Instead of making hay, they've played like crap. Just like Locke, they'll trot out another re-tread tonight in RH Ryan Vogelsong. Now, don't get Mrs. Black-N-Gold wrong. She feels for Vogey with all that he's been through this season. However, she also questioned this signing way back in the offseason. If you're going to mail it in, which it seems the Buccos are intent upon doing, then do so with the youngsters. Not someone who's on his last legs. The kids are alright! 3)Yes, the Pirates will attempt to make some southern meatloaf tonight down in ATL. Does Mrs. Black-N-Gold sound bitter today? That's because the kool-aid that the Bucs try to sell us, loyal fans, every year has turned to toilet water. The Pirates have flushed this season away and left a bitter taste in this fan's Black-N-Gold mouth. But there is still always the words of the great American poet, Marvin Lee Aday. 2 outta 3 ain't bad! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!