Up to Old Tricks (Almost)

--I was seriously convinced the Pirates were trying to lose this game. Alas, the Buccos managed to delay the inevitable for at least another two days (tomorrow is an off day, so the soonest the team's 15th consecutive losing season will be assured isn't until the end of Friday's game with the Astros.)

--The Buccos appeared to be up to several of the tricks that have enabled them to have yet another season of a sub .500 record.

--Waste a solid outing by your starting pitcher against the team that's hit more home runs than any other MLB team? Check.

--Get a couple of fine defensive plays but fail to make those fine defensive plays with the game on the line? Check.

--Mr. Manager doesn't give the hook at the right time? Check.

--Get enough hits to get a 4 run lead and then lose the ability to get hits? Check.

--The bullpen is unable to hold a 2 run lead? Check.


--Despite these "old," familiar tricks of a losing team, the post August Pirates made an appearance after the Brewers came back and tied the game at 4.

--Get out of a serious jam with only a tie rather than allowing the opponent their first lead of the game? Check.

--Minimize the damage in those jams? Check.

--Get a timely hit from a player who was more known for striking out and hitting into inning-ending double plays in the miserable pre-August part of the season? Check.

--Get another timely hit from a bench player? Check.

--Allow your closer to earn an actual save? (Okay, that's still not that common, but whatever.) Check.


So, in the end, the Pirates didn't lose a game they shouldn't have lost. The Pirates won a game they should have won. This is progress, and as has been duly noted on this blog many times, I enjoy winning.