~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners/Pittsburgh Pirates (08)

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners/Pittsburgh Pirates (08)

SEATTLE MARINERS (5-2) @ TAMPA BAY RAYS (3-4)

SERIES PREVIEW




Tampa,FL- The Seattle Mariners will continue their East Coast road trip when they head to South Florida for a 3 game series with the Tampa Bay Rays (3-4). The Rays are coming off a 4 game series loss to the Yankees in the Bronx.

"We had a tough road trip to New York and we need to refocus." Rays Ace Matt Garza stated.

Garza will get the ball tonight when the Rays start the series with Seattle.

Garza is solid so far (1-0. 1.08 ERA, 7 K's)

"He's our #1 guy. He's the heart of our rotation. His determination motivates us all. " Rays Manager Joe Maddon stated.

The Mariners in return will rely on Veteran Miguel Batista (1-0,4.50 ERA 8 K's).

"I need to have a good start tonight. My teammates rely on me." Batista stated.

The Mariners are coming off a tough series in Baltimore.

"We had a tough trip to Baltimore and lost some games, now we have to focus on winning." Mariners Manager Brian Carmichael stated.

The Rays have some solid hitters with Left Fielder Carl Crawford hitting 3 HR's.

"We're still a pretty solid team. Still early in the year as well." Rays Carl Crawford stated.

Tampa Bay has also just recalled Third Baseman Prince Dolan(R) from Triple-A Durham in yesterday's trip to New York. The young 21 year old has already stolen a base. His first of his Career.

"My first Major League start was in historic Yankee Stadium.That's something really special." Prince Dolan stated.

He's sure to see action tonight when Seattle visits South Florida.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners/Pittsburgh Pirates (08)

PITTSBURGH PIRATES (4-2) VS CHICAGO CUBS (3-3)

SERIES PREVIEW!!



Pittsburgh,PA- The red hot Pirates will finally come home for their Season opener after two road trips down south. The Pirates will look to open up PNC Park with a win to start the Season at home. It's expected to be a packed house when the Cubs come to visit.

"We're finally home in front of our fans. We're looking to make a memorable impression for our great fans. We hope to impress them alot this year." Pirates Manager Shawn Fulton stated.

"It's always great to be back in Pittsburgh. We have the best fans and they can always pump us up." Pirates Left Fielder Jason Bay stated.

The fan favorite is on fire so far. Bay has driven in 19 RBI's while smacking 9 Home runs. He's really making a case for MVP in 2008.

"Jason (Bay) is phenomenal. He's the heart and soul of this Ball Club. When he talks, we listen. " Pirates Catcher Mike Piazza stated. He was picked up during Free Agency months ago.

The Chicago Cubs however are mediocre. They rank 26th in Defense, 15th in batting, and 6th in Pitching. However they have one of the Greatest Managers ever in Lou Pinellia.

"We're 3-3. Still a long way to go. " Lou Pinellia stated.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners/Pittsburgh Pirates (08)

Game #7 April 7,2008

Pittsburgh Pirates (4-2) VS Chicago Cubs (3-3)



PIRATES Sneak past Cubs 18-12 for Season Opener!

Pittsburgh, PA- The Pirates opening day was World War 3. What else could you expect between 2 Division rivals?

It looked as if Chicago was going to run away with this one after putting up 2 runs in the first inning against a young Ian Snell.

That thought quickly evaporated.

Then the Pirates came storming back beating up Rich Hill who is already struggling. The Bucs bats came alive dropping 11 runs on Hill in just the first inning.

Lou Pinella had to make a change and fast. He sent Veteran Kerry Wood to the mound in just the third inning.

He could only slow down the damage, not stop it.

The Pirates wouldn't stop.

Neither would the Cubs give up.

The Cubs pushed in the later innings but Pittsburgh would be too much. The Bucs Bullpen would struggle a bit but Matt Capps would shut down Chicago in the 9th.

"Our Bullpen is a bit of a struggle but they came through for us tonight." Pirates Manager Shawn Fulton stated.

The Cubs-Pirates will take a day for rest before continuing on in a couple days.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners/Pittsburgh Pirates (08)

GAME # 8 April 8,2008


Seattle Mariners (5-2) @ Tampa Bay Rays (3-4)





Tampa Bay slams Seattle 9-3!

Tampa Bay-


Tampa Bay rocked the Mariners in their opening series. The young stud Matt Garza took the mound showing his skills to the visiting M's not allowing a hit until the 4th inning. From then on, it was all Tampa.

Garza was simply flawless just giving up a few hits and 3 runs while striking out 7 Mariners in the win.

"He's a quality pitcher." Rays Skipper Joe Maddon stated. "We have a young team here in Tampa and Matt is the captain of this ship."

Rays newest face Prince Dolan got his first Major League hit today off Mariners Veteran Miguel Batista. The Rays fateful gave him a standing ovation.

"It was a special moment for me." Prince Dolan stated. "It was unbelievable to experience something like that. I hope to help this team keep winning."

The Mariners struggled from the get go.

"We weren't playing very good today. We have to get past this and get back to winning." Mariners Manager Brian Carmichael stated.

"Tough loss. We can't win them all." Adrian Beltre stated.

The Mariners-Rays will continue to do battle tomorrow night.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners/Pittsburgh Pirates (08)

Game #8 April 9,2008

[COLOR="DarkOrange"]Pittsburgh Pirates (5-2)[/COLOR] VS Chicago Cubs (3-4)



PIRATES Jason Bay ties HISTORY with 4 Homeruns as Pirates beat Cubs 6-4!

Pittsburgh, PA- Jason Bay made history today tying just a handful of players who hit 4 Homeruns in a game. His 4th came in the bottom of the 8th sailing over the Left Field wall to a roar of the Pirates fans at PNC Park.

"I honestly can't believe I did it myself. I'm still in disbelief." Jason Bay stated.

His performance of the game has given him his 15th Home Run this year and is in full command of leading the Majors in HR's and RBI's.

"Jason (Bay) is the leader of this team. We rally behind him in the clubhouse and on the field. He's as hungry as us to get to October." Second Baseman Freddy Sanchez stated. Sanchez hit Home Run #5 as well today.

The Cubs took a 2-0 lead in the first inning after a 2 run shot by Aramis Ramirez.The Pirates would answer back in the bottom of the 1st.

Paul Maholm had a rough first inning but managed to calm down in the later innings. The young left hander went a solid 7 innings giving up 4 runs and 9 hits but struck out 11.

"After the first inning I had to calm myself down. I knew the game was far from over." Pirates Paul Maholm stated.

"I told him to relax and he would be fine." Pirates Skipper Shawn Fulton stated.

The Pirates will try to get the Sweep tomorrow night as they host the Cubs one last time in the series.

[/QUOTE]

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners/Pittsburgh Pirates (08)

Game #9 April 10,2008

Pittsburgh Pirates (6-2) VS Chicago Cubs (3-5)



Jason Marquis and the Cubs shut down Pirates 9-1!

PITTSBURGH,PA- Jason Marquis was simply flawless today. He was untouchable for the most part. The Cubs right hander went right after the Pirates shutting them down as if he was turning off a light switch. Marquis went the full game with his performance.

"He was on his game today. The dugout trusted him. I trusted him." Cubs Skipper Lou Pinella stated.

Jason Marquis (2-0) showed exactly why he was the man today. He struck out 13 and only allowed 3 hits and 1 run, a Adam LaRoache Home run.

"That pitch to Adam got away from me." Jason Marquis said with a smile.

The Pirates bullpen however struggled today. Zack Duke only lasted 4 innings but allowed 11 hits and 6 runs. He struck out only 3.

"It was a rough day for me. I wish I could get alot of those pitches back." Zach Duke stated.

Kenny Lofton got the blowout started with a double in he first inning sending in 2 runs.

"I came to this team to win. If we can keep playing like we did today this club should go far." Kenny Lofton stated.

The Pirates will need to rebound before tomorrow night when they host a 3 game series with another NL Central Rival, the Reds (5-5).

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners/Pittsburgh Pirates (08)

17-9 Mariners
9-6 Mariners. Lost notes.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners/Pittsburgh Pirates (08)

MLB Standings - Updated: May 1, 2008
AL EAST	W	L	GB
Boston Red Sox	22	7	--
New York Yankees	16	13	6
Tampa Bay Rays	14	14	7.5
Baltimore Orioles	13	16	9
Toronto Blue Jays	9	19	12.5
AL CENTRAL	W	L	GB
Cleveland Indians	15	13	--
Detroit Tigers	14	14	1
Chicago White Sox	13	15	2
Minnesota Twins	13	15	2
Kansas City Royals	10	17	4.5
AL WEST	W	L	GB
Seattle Mariners	20	8	--
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim	14	15	6.5
Oakland Athletics	13	16	7.5
Texas Rangers	12	16	8
NL EAST	W	L	GB
New York Mets	19	9	--
Washington Nationals	16	12	3
Atlanta Braves	14	15	5.5
Florida Marlins	11	16	7.5
Philadelphia Phillies	10	18	9
NL CENTRAL	W	L	GB
Pittsburgh Pirates	19	9	--
Milwaukee Brewers	15	12	3.5
Houston Astros	15	14	4.5
Cincinnati Reds	14	15	5.5
Chicago Cubs	10	19	8.5
NL WEST	W	L	GB
Colorado Rockies	17	12	--
Arizona Diamondbacks	16	12	0.5
Los Angeles Dodgers	14	13	2
San Diego Padres	13	15	3.5
San Francisco Giants	13	16	4
NL WILD CARD RACE	W	L	GB
St. Louis Cardinals	9	20	10.5

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners/Pittsburgh Pirates (08)

Game #29

Pittsburgh Pirates (19-9) @ Washington Nationals (16-12)



[B]PIRATES hold on for the W 7-6![/B]


Washington D.C-The Pirates kicked off May by heading to the Nations Capital for a four game series with the Nationals (16-12). The Nationals struggling to keep their head above water gave their all tonight at Nationals Park.

"Pittsburgh is having a great season so far. We knew it would be a battle." Nationals Manager Manny Acta stated.

After a 7-3 lead in the later innings, The Nationals bats finally woke up as they pulled within 1 entering the 9th.

"We knew it wasn't over until it was over." Said Nationals new Left Fielder Kevin Mench who Washington picked up in the Offseason. He picked up a few RBI's.

Pirates Rookie Closer, the Japanese sensation Tanashi Sasaki picked up his 8th Save of the season.

"He's a great closer. No doubt. We're lucky to have him." Pirates Manager Shawn Fulton stated. Fulton is in his first year with the team has done a hell of a job with the Pirates.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners/Pittsburgh Pirates (08)

Rivera blows Save but Yankees win on Shelley Duncan's Walk off 5-4!

New York,NY- In what could be a potential playoff preview, the Mariners and Yankees started their 3 game series tonight in the Bronx. The Yankees and Mariners went at it like two heavyweight boxers.

Joba Chamberlin went a strong 6 innings with 3 runs allowed and 6 hits with 9 strikeouts. He was pulled in the 7th for Veteran David Wells with a 1 run lead.

The Yankees gave Mariners Carlos Silva all he could handle. Things looked to be in the Bombers favor heading into the 9th with Mariano Rivera on the mound and the Yankees holding on to a 4-3 lead.

Then disaster struck. Richie Sexson stepped in and blasted a Rivera fastball over the right field wall to tie the game much to the dismay of the Yankee Crowd.

It looked like the tide may of shifted. Until the bottom of the 9th.

Yankees right fielder Shelley Duncan hit a walk off Homerun to give the Yankees the win.

WP: Mariano Rivera (1-0)
LP: Brandon Morrow (1-1)
SV: None

HOME RUNS:

SEA: Sexson (10,11) Watson (13)

NYY: Cano (5) Duncan (1)

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners/Pittsburgh Pirates (08)

After fixing rosters/sliders/etc

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners/Pittsburgh Pirates (08)

MAY 6,2008

Game # 33

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (14-18) @ Pittsburgh Pirates (21-11)

Barry Zito (1-4/24 K's 4.04 ERA) VS Paul Maholm (6-0/ 62 k's 3.22 ERA)



Pirates beat Giants 5-2 at PNC Park!

Pittsburgh- The struggling Giants (14-19) continue to be in rebuild mode for 2008 as they fall to the N.L Central leading Pittsburgh Pirates (22-11). Barry Zito took the ball tonight for the Giants and the Pirates wasted no time in jumping on his back jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning.

Zito struggled for the most part against the Pirates bats lasting just 5 innings while giving up 4 runs and 8 hits in the process.

"They're hot. They've been hot since April. That's a really good team who will go far into October." Giants Barry Zito stated.

The Pirates are hot. White hot.

Paul Maholm was hot today as well. The left hander went a strong 7 plus innings giving up 2 runs and 5 hits but striking out 12 Giants in the process. Set-Up Man, Big Matt Capps pitched a scoreless 8th striking out the side. It's his craft.

"Matt has a way with pitching. The things he does when he comes in to set up for Sasaki is just unbelievable." Pirates Pitcher Paul Maholm stated. He picked up his 7th straight win. (7-0)

Jason Bay, the Captain also was "fire." He hit his 22nd Home Run of the year. He's really making a case for himself as the NL MVP. He's already the leading hitter in the National League.

"I love the way our team is playing. We still have a long season ahead of us but I like the way we're playing." Pirates new Skipper Shawn Fulton.

"The Pirates are great this year. The things that organization has done this year I tip my hat to them." Giants Skipper Bruce Bochy stated.

Pirates rookie Closer, Japanese sensation Tanashi Sasaki picked up his 10th Save of the year.

"I love it when he comes in." Stated Pirates Catcher Mike Piazza. He's in his first year with the Club.

WP: Paul Maholm (7-0)
LP: Barry Zito (1-5)
SV: Tanashi Sasaki (10)

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners/Pittsburgh Pirates (08)

GAME # 34


May 6,2008


SEATTLE MARINERS (23-10) VS TEXAS RANGERS (15-18)





Wilson picks up 8th Save of year as Rangers knock off Mariners 11-8 in Seattle...




SEATTLE- The Texas Rangers were not predicted to finish 2008 with a winning record. Forget playoffs. The Rangers who finished the 2007 campaign with a 75-87 record dead last in the AL West. The Rangers are in "Rebuild Mode" under second year Skipper Ron Washington.


But now there may be time to get excited. The Rangers have won 4 in a row after todays 11-8 victory vs the Division leading Seattle Mariners.


"This team has a lot of heart. For us to come in here and get 2 straight wins vs that club is really something special. It shows we have a lot of fight and determination in this clubhouse." Washington stated.


Texas has called in reinforcements yesterday before the team started the 4 game series vs the Mariners. General Manager Jon Daniels called up from Triple A Oklahoma, Relief Pitcher Jeremy Frost and stud Catcher Danny Conroy.


Both were masterful today..


In fact, Frost got his first relief in the middle innings today and was nothing short of amazing..


The young right hander got 6 strikeouts in his debut vs the Mariners. He also was named the winning pitcher. (1-0)


"I was actually surprised I played today." Said Jeremy Frost, all smiles. "I was thinking I was just gonna watch and learn."


Danny Conroy, the Rangers Catcher who has seen a handful of games was amazing today as well picking up 2 RBI's.


"Both players are phenomenal." Skipper Ron Washington stated. "We look forward to having them here in Texas."


The Rangers may have the momentum but still find themselves 7 games behind the leading Mariners (23-11). The Rangers and Mariners will continue their long 4 game series tomorrow night where the Rangers currently have taken both games.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners/Pittsburgh Pirates (08)

GAME # 34

May 7,2008


PITTSBURGH PIRATES (22-11) vs SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (14-19)




Pirates pound Giants 13-0 At PNC Park!


PITTSBURGH- The first three innings of tonights game went by like a game of chess. Each team studying the other. That was until the bottom of the third.


The Pirates would break things wide open and the Giants would not recover. Pittsburghs bats came to life like they have all year jumping out to a 6-0 lead in just the third.


Giants left hander Noah Lowry (4-2) would leave soon after. Lowry, lasted 3 innings giving up 8 hits only striking out 2.


"It just wasn't my night." Lowry stated. "That club has a really good team this year. They are gonna go far."


Giants Relief, Jack Taschner pitched the last 5 innings and didn't do much better. He gave up 13 hits and 7 more runs.


"That lineup is just possibly one of the best on paper." Taschner stated.


For the Pirates, Zach Duke was phenomenal. Pitched a strong 6 innings giving up 5 hits no runs but a career high 14 strikeouts.


"Zach (Duke) is one of our best. He's an anchor in our rotation. He's a great pitcher. The things he does when he takes the ball is just amazing to watch." Skipper Shawn Fulton stated.


The Pirates are really making a case for themselves to push for the Playoffs sitting atop of the N.L Central. The Bats are alive. Defense is great.


The San Francisco Giants (14-20) continue to struggle, dropping 4 in a row. Manager Bruce Bochy is scratching his head.


"We have to find ways to win games." He stated with a frown. The Giants may be in rebuild mode so no ones pressing the "Panic button" in the bay yet.


The Pirates and Giants will wrap up their 3 Game series tomorrow afternoon where San Fran, may get lucky with a win. The Pirates starter tomorrow Tom Gorzelanny(1-3) has really been struggling.


WP: Zach Duke (4-2)
LP: Noah Lowry (4-2)
SV: NONE


HOME RUNS:


PIT: Sanchez (17) Watterson (16) Piazza (12)

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Saving A Sinking Ship~~ The Seattle Mariners/Pittsburgh Pirates (08)