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

[johnstone1987]

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

GAME #41

May 14,2008

PITTSBURGH PIRATES(27-13) VS ST. LOUIS CARDINALS (15-26)



ST.LOUIS-Despite a struggling season with injuries and mishaps, the Cardinals showed they can still be a team that can pick up wins. That was the case tonight. Cardinals Pitcher Chris Carpenter(3-5) pitched a solid 6 innings while allowing 9 hits and 2 runs but got 6 K's.

The Cardinals(16-26) jumped out to a 7-2 lead in the 6th inning making Freddy Garcia(5-3) scramble to find a rhythm. Garcia lasted just 5 innings allowing 4 runs 6 hits and 7 K's.

Albert Pujols 2 Home runs sealed the win for the Cardinals. The Pirates would attempt to comeback pulling within a 8-7 Card lead but Jason Isringhausen shut the door on the Pirates for his 9th save of the year.

The Cardinals would go on to win 8-7 despite a desperate comeback attempt by Pittsburgh(27-14).


WP: Chris Carpenter(3-5)
LP: Freddy Garcia(5-3)
SV: Isringhausen(9)

[johnstone1987]

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

GAME #42

May 14,2008

SEATTLE MARINERS(28-13) VS TEXAS RANGERS (19-22)




MARINERS HOLD off Rangers Comeback, win 10-9 and take Rubber match in Arlington

ARLINGTON- The rubber match today between Texas and Seattle was to simply put, World War 3. Both teams refused to go down without a fight. No one batted an eye. No one blinked.

The Mariners drew blood first. Opening up a 6-0 lead in just the 2nd inning off young Brandon McCarthy(1-6).

"It was one of those games where it could of gone either way." McCarthy stated.

McCarthy struggled. 13 Hits, 8 runs, 7 Strikeouts.

"It's not just his fault." Rangers Center Fielder Josh Hamilton stated. "We need to play better defense and not give up so many runs."

Hamilton had a day. He blasted 3 Home Runs and 6 RBI's.

Rookie Rick Thomas(6-1) took the ball for Seattle today. The Rangers pounded the rookie during their comeback attempt in later innings.

Thomas pitched 7 innings giving up 8 hits, 6 runs, got 14 K's.

Of the runs and hits were Home Runs by the Rangers.

"It just wasn't my day. I was solid for awhile but in the later innings they were hitting everything I was throwing at them." Mariners Rick Thomas stated.

For a Rookie out of Triple A Tacoma this Spring, Thomas has been phenomenal. 6-1 Record with a fastball in the triple digits.

"He's gonna be a star in this league. I tip my hat to that kid. Great Pitcher." Rangers Skipper Ron Washington stated.

Ichiro had a career day of his own stealing 4 bases (20).

"He's gonna break that record. Ichiro is just that determined. He puts his mind to everything." Mariners Skipper Brian Carmichael stated.

The Mariners(29-13) have tomorrow off while they travel back to Safeco Field to get ready for a 3 Game Series against their first National League team, The San Diego Padres(18-23).

The Rangers(19-23) also have tomorrow off where they get ready for a Series with the Houston Astros(19-22).


HOME RUNS

SEA: Ichiro(2) Ibanez(9) Watson(20)

TEX: Catalanotto(3) Hamilton(6) Barry(2) Byrd(1)


WP: Rick Thomas(6-1)
LP: Brandon McCarthy(1-6)

[johnstone1987]

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

GAME #42

May 15,2008

PITTSBURGH PIRATES(27-14) VS ST. LOUIS CARDINALS (16-26)



Tempers flare as Bucs beat Cards in 10 innings!


ST.LOUIS- Matt Clement was a real piece of work today. And not in a good way. The 33 year old struggled in just the first inning giving up 7 runs.

Rather than take a breath and work out of it, Clement decided to do the unthinkable. He purposely blasted Ian Snell at the plate with a fastball to the side of his head.

Snell went down motionless. The Cardinals faithful inside Busch Stadium was even stunned. Snell got up and trotted to first. Then Nyjer Morgan stepped in to the box. Clement hit him in the back then all hell broke loose.

Morgan charged Clement. It wasn't pretty. The Benches cleared. The fight was on.

"There is absolutely no excuse for a act like that. None." Cardinals Manager Tony La Russa stated.

After the brawl, Clement left the game and sources say he was so upset he even left the Stadium altogether.

"I was shocked that something like that happened." Pirates Skipper Shawn Fulton stated.

"It was disgusting. We're professionals up here and we acted like kids. I let my temper get the best of me." Pirates Outfielder Nyjer Morgan stated.

The Cardinals would battle back to force extra innings but fell in the bottom of the 10th when Tanashi Sasaki came in.

The Pirates(28-14) will leave St.Louis and fly to Chicago for another battle with the Cubs(17-24) who continue to struggle. The Pirates will finish out May against N.L Central Rivals.

The Cardinals(16-27) will do battle with the Rays(23-20).

No word yet on if Major League Baseball will throw out fines.


WP: Dave Davidson(2-1)
LP: Russ Springer(1-2)
SV: Tanashi Sasaki(15)

[johnstone1987]

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

May 16,2008

BREAKING NEWS




Cardinals Pitcher Matt Clement fined $50,000 Dollars for Ian Snells headshot..


ST.LOUIS- Cardinals Pitcher Matt Clement has been fined 50 Grand by MLB Commissioner Bud Selig this morning. The large fine comes due to the actions yesterday by Clement, 33 against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

However, Clement will not be suspended and is allowed to play.

"His actions were disgusting. Absolutely pathetic. Hopefully this fine will teach him a lesson." MLB Commissioner Bud Selig stated.

This statement has sent some MLB fans in a frenzy on Social Media.

"I want to thank the Commissioner for giving me another chance. I apologize to the Pirates Organization, The great fans of St.Louis, the Cardinals Organization, Fans of baseball, and most importantly Nyjer Morgan and Ian Snell. I let my emotions get the best of me." Matt Clement stated.

[johnstone1987]

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

GAME #43

May 16,2008

PITTSBURGH PIRATES(28-14) VS CHICAGO CUBS(17-24)



Cubs continue to struggle lose 23-1 to Pirates!


[B]CHICAGO- It's hard to believe that in 2007, The Chicago Cubs were 85-77 and a First place finish in the N.L Central. "Sweet Lou" Pinella brought hope to the "Loveable Losers". The Cubs would then go onto to get swept in the Division Series by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Since being swept back in October, the Cubs have fallen off. Entering this Season, the Cubs looked poised to repeat as Division Champions. Pinella coming off his 2007 National League Manager of the year looked poised for a repeat.

The Cubs(17-25) are struggling in 2008 to the shock of everyone. Lou Pinella is left scratching his head after every game at the podium.

Is it that the Offseason signing of 40 year old Veteran Center Fielder Kenny Lofton is doing more harm than good? The 40 year old in 152 AB's, has only 49 hits, 1 Home Run and 19 RBI's so far this year.

So far it appears that the "Kenny Lofton Experiment" is causing the Cubs to sink despite being in his first year of his 2 year contract with the Cubs. It shouldn't surprise anyone if Kenny decides to retire at the end of the year.

The Chicago Cubs are in their 100th year drought without a Championship. Lou Pinella has his hands full with his struggling ballclub.

"It's still early in the year but we need to start figuring out how to win games. We have alot of work to do and need to get out of this slump." Pinella stated.

The Pirates pounded Chicago with 37 hits today. It looked like something out of a video game. The Cubs on defense is just as bad as they are at the plate.

They are struggling.

Paul Maholm was phenomenal today pitching a complete game only allowing 1 run and 4 hits with 13 Strikeouts in the process.

HOMERUNS

PIT: Bay(27) LaRoche(12) Gomez(5) McClouth(3)

WP: Paul Maholm(9-0)
LP: Angel Guzman(0-1)
SV: None

[johnstone1987]

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

GAME #43

May 16,2008

SEATTLE MARINERS(29-13) VS SAN DIEGO PADRES(18-24)




Jake Peavy DOMINATES Seattle as Padres Win 9-0!

SEATTLE- The injury plagued Padres limped into Safeco Field today, but they came loaded with amunition. San Diego has spent early May and past few days digging into their Farm Systems. The Padres(19-24) have some major names on the D.L list coming into Seattle.

(2B)Craig Stansberry,(SP) Randy Wolf(1-2), (3B)Kevin Kouzmanoff, (2B)Tagahito Iguchi are all on the D.L and weeks away from returning.

"Baseball is a long season. Injuries will happen. We have to keep moving on with the players we have while we wait for others to get healthy." Padres Bud Black stated.

The Padres(19-24) have called up Cole Baker(2B), Deon Billings(3B) and (OF) Hoon Chan to fill the voids for San Diego.

"Those guys are great players and have been wonderful down in Triple A." Bud Black stated.

Cole Baker hit his first Homerun of his Major League Career today.

"It was the greatest feeling ever." Rookie Second Baseman Cole Baker stated.

Jake Peavy(3-3), the reigning NL Cy Young winner was amazing today. He simply dominated Seattle with 16 Strikeouts no runs and just 4 hits.

"He's a CY Young Winner for a reason." Padres Center Fielder Jim Edmonds stated. He robbed Richie Sexson of a Homerun with an amazing Catch at the wall.

"That catch you'll see on the highlights. " Mariners Right Fielder Willie Bloomquist stated.

The Padres jumped on Miguel Batista(5-3). The #3 guy gave up 10 hits and 7 runs while striking out 9.

"Just wasn't my day." Batista stated.

"Wasn't just pitching. It was bad defense, bad hitting, bad baseball." Mariners Manager Brian Carmichael stated.

WP: Jake Peavy(3-3)
LP: Miguel Batista(5-3)

[johnstone1987]

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

GAME #44

May 17,2008

PITTSBURGH PIRATES(29-14) VS CHICAGO CUBS(17-25)



CUBS continue to slump, lose 11-0 to PIRATES

CHICAGO- Jason Bay sat at his locker with a smile. He just hit his 29th Homerun of the year. Two inside Wrigley Field tonight. The Captain had alot to be happy about.

"We're playing really good Baseball." Bay stated. "We know whats in front of us."

Zach Duke, the young Pirates Left hander took the ball today pitching a great 6 innings and only allowed 3 hits and 0 runs while picking up 10 K's.

"He's a good leader in here as well. Zach is a great guy to have in the clubhouse." Pirates Center Fielder Nate McClouth stated.

Ted Lilly(0-6) and the Cubs continue to slump in 2008. Lilly lasted just 3 innings giving up 14 hits, 9 runs and 0 Strikeouts before Lou Pinella pulled him.

"We're in a slump. All of us. Not just him. We have to look at ourselves and get over this." Pinella stated.

Ted Lilly refused to speak to the media after the blowout loss. The entire Chicago Cub fanbase felt embarrassed as many fans left Wrigley Field in the 9th inning down by 11.

The Pirates have outscored Chicago over the past 2 games 34-1. That is just beyond terrible.

The Chicago Cubs(17-26) continue to slump.

"It's pathetic really. We need to figure out what to do and execute it." Cubs Second Baseman Alfonso Soriano stated.

Lou Pinella is left scratching his head at the podium after every game.

"I have no excuses. Last year we were the division Champs, this year we can barely win games. Alot of work to be done heading forward." Pinella stated.

The Pirates(30-14) will attempt to sweep Chicago(17-26) tomorrow afternoon but Tom Gorzelanny(1-4) is expected to start.

We'll see if Pirates make a change due to the struggles of Gorzelanny.


HOMERUNS

PIT: Bay(29) Piazza(15)

WP: Zach Duke(5-2)
LP: Ted Lilly(0-6)
SV: None

[johnstone1987]

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

[QUOTE=johnstone1987;2049192464]

GAME #44

May 17,2008

SEATTLE MARINERS(29-14) VS SAN DIEGO PADRES(19-24)




PADRES shock Mariners 6-4!

SEATTLE-The battle wounded Padres continued to fight despite nagging injuries to key players. San Diego has upset Seattle for the second day in a row. Trevor Hoffman came in and got his 9th Save of year.

[johnstone1987]

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

GAME #45

May 18,2008

PITTSBURGH PIRATES(30-14) VS CHICAGO CUBS(17-26)



Gorzelanny continues to struggle as Cubs sneak past Pirates 14-12!

CHICAGO- Tom Gorzelanny(1-5) continues to struggle in 2008. The left hander possibly had his worst performance this year and possibly career. Gorzelanny lasted just 4 innings while giving up 11 runs,15 hits, 5 walks, and 0 Strikeouts.

Terrible.

It's no secret that Pittsburghs Bullpen has been weak this year but Gorzelanny is possibly the icing on the cake.

"I have no comment." Tom Gorzelanny stated with his head down. After todays performance, it's not a stretch to think that Gorzelanny could be heading for the Bullpen or a trip to Triple A Indianopolis.

Time will tell.

The Cubs(18-26) jumped on Gorzelanny in the first innings even having a 4-2 lead in the bottom of 4th. Then Aramis Ramierez stepped in and blasted a 2 run homer over the wall.

The Cubs opened the 4th with a 7 run inning really opening up the gap at Wrigley Field.

The Pirates would mount a comeback however with the heart they had all year but fell in the 9th when Ryan Dempster came in and got his 12th save of the year.

The Pirates loss to Chicago came with a price, Catcher Ryan Doumit fractured his wrist when running into Cubs Second Basemen Mike Fontenot and was removed shortly after.

"You hate to see injuries like that. Ryan is a great player and anchor behind the plate. Mike (Piazza) has really been a great mentor to him." Pirates Manager Shawn Fulton stated.

It's being announced by team doctors that Ryan Doumit has been placed on the 60 day D.L and Pirates(30-15) will move forward with starter Mike Piazza as Catcher.

Looks like Neal Huntington will be making another call to Triple A- Indianapolis for a Catcher.

The Pirates will take tomorrow off and head home to PNC Park to get ready for the Milwaukee Brewers(26-18).

The Chicago Cubs(18-26) head to Houston to battle the Astros(21-24).

HOME RUNS

PIT: LaRoche(14) McClouth(4)

CHC: Ramierez(7)

WP: Bob Howry(1-1)
LP: Tom Gorzelanny(1-5)
SV: Ryan Dempster(12)

[johnstone1987]

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

TRADE ALERT

May 18,2008



NEW YORK YANKEES GET: PITTSBURGH PIRATES GET:

(SP) Bryan Bullington (SP) Ross Ohlendorf



First official trade of the 2008 Season today as the Pittsburgh Pirates have traded Minor League Pitcher Bryan Bullington for Minor League Pitcher Ross Ohlendorf.

Bullington is expected to show up with New York's Triple A affiliate Yankees as Ohlendorf is expected to arrive in Pittsburgh and take over the #5 role from struggling Tom Gorzelanny.

[johnstone1987]

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

May 18,2008

PIRATES CALL UP YOUNG CATCHER, PLACE DOUMIT ON 60 DAY D.L!




PITTSBURGH- The Struggling Tom Gorzelanny is out the door, on his way to Indianapolis to report to Triple A. The 25 year old left hander have really been struggling this year. His ERA of 14.09 is worse in the majors. In 9 starts for the Pirates(30-15) this year he has a 1-5 record, has given up 60 runs,15 Home Runs, 90 hits,14 walks, and only 23 Strikeouts in 38.1 innings of work. Its unknown how long Gorzelanny will stay in Triple A as Pittsburgh move forward. The arrival of Yankees Prospect Ross Ohlendorf will be taking over the #5 role.

With the injury to Backup Catcher Ryan Doumit in Chicago earlier, The Pirates have called up Catching Prospect Troy Harris who has really been tearing it up in Indianapolis to take the spot while Ryan is on Injured Reserve.

Harris(20) has hit 10 Home Runs,27 RBI's and an average of .392. He will take over the #2 Catcher role while he sits and learn from Mike Piazza one of the best in the game.

"I'm very excited for this opportunity!" Stated Troy Harris. He has been issued his Triple A Number (17)

"I look forward to learning from Mike. I know he'll be a great mentor. One of the best Catchers ever." Troy Harris stated.

[Bigsheen]

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

As a lifetime Pirates fan, seeing these names resurface is going to give me nightmares haha but I'm all about it!

[johnstone1987]

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

As a lifetime Pirates fan, seeing these names resurface is going to give me nightmares haha but I'm all about it!

Hahaha I feel yeah (As a Mariners fan myself) I loved Jason Bay. Dude was great.

[johnstone1987]

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

GAME #45

May 18,2008

SEATTLE MARINERS(29-15) VS SAN DIEGO PADRES(20-24)




Mariners avoid Sweep! Beat Padres 14-5 on Silva's Arm...


SEATTLE- Wanting to avoid a sweep at the hands of the San Diego Padres(20-25). The Mariners turned to their #5 guy in the rotation. Carlos Silva(4-2).

Silva struggled vs the Padres bats giving up 10 hits and 5 runs (Off Hoon Chan, Deon Billings) The Rookies Padres called up for "Amunition."

But Silva also was solid with 10 Strikeouts and kept San Diego out of the run column 4 innings of his 7 innings of work.

"I'll take it." Joked Carlos Silva. "Up and down for sure but we got the win and avoided the sweep."

The Pitching for San Diego however, a joke. Padres Skipper Bud Black has overworked his bullpen using 4 pitchers in todays game.

"It wasn't our day. Seattle is a really good team." Padres Manager Bud Black stated.

The Mariners(30-15) pounded San Diego with 22 hits and 14 runs and made it rain with Home Runs.

"We're hitting the ball well this year. We know what's our Goal. Hitting well is just the first step to it." Mariners First basemen Richie Sexson stated.

"We have alot of great guys in this clubhouse. I'm proud to be on this journey with them. " Mariners First year Skipper Brian Carmichael stated.

"We had some chances to put runs on the board but failed. We can only blame ourselves for that." Padres Center Fielder Jim Edmonds stated.

The Mariners(30-15) get tomorrow off as they travel to the Motor City for a 3 game series with the Detroit Tigers(24-21) who are on a 4 game winning streak and sit 3 games behind the A.L Central leading Cleveland Indians(27-18).

The Padres will head back to San Diego for a series with another injury plagued team, the St.Louis Cardinals(19-27).

HOME RUNS

SD: Chan (2) Billings (3)

SEA: Ibanez(11) Chung(6) Watson(21) Bloomquist(8)

WP: Carlos Silva(4-2)
LP: Justin Germano(0-3)

[johnstone1987]

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

GAME #46

May 20,2008

PITTSBURGH PIRATES(30-15) VS MILWAUKEE BREWERS(26-18)



PIRATES SNEAK PAST BREWERS 4-2 AT PNC PARK!!

PITTSBURGH- The second place Brewers came to PNC Park tonight looking to shorten the gap between them and Pittsburgh.

It was not meant to be on this night.

Freddy Garcia(6-3) the Pirates Ace was lights out. 6 hits 0 runs 14 Strikeouts.

All in 7 innings. He was solid.

"He's our Ace. We all feel comfortable when Freddy steps foot on the mound." Pirates Captain Left Fielder Jason Bay stated.

Bay hit his 30th Home Run of the year off struggling Claudio Vargas(1-2).

"Bay is the Captain for a reason. He leads we follow. He speaks we listen." Second baseman Freddy Sanchez stated.

"Jason (Bay) is the leader of this team. When he speaks guys listen, He's just as focused and hungry to get to the playoffs." Pirates Skipper Shawn Fulton stated.

"It's a Division Rival. It's gonna be close games like this." Brewers Center Fielder Mike Cameron stated.

"We knew how good they were. They're leading our Division but it's still a long season and we're on their heels by a few games." Brewers Manager Ned Yost stated.

Tanashi Sasaki picked up his 16th save of the year. He's now tied for 2nd with Giants Brian Wilson behind Washington's Chad Cordero(19).

HOME RUNS

PIT: Jason Bay(30)

WP: Freddy Garcia(6-3)
LP: Claudio Vargas(1-2)
SV: Tanashi Sasaki(16)