Man... I'm behind. Quick jump to the present

3 series I haven't properly posted. There were a few interesting games in there, I think I'll just focus on those and give the general feeling as we enter our big series with the Cards.

Lost 2 of 3 in Cincy. Lost the first two games, the second in heart breaking fashion (not just the 9th, but the whole game was heartbreaking). Salvaged the 3rd game thanks to a nice start from Locke coming back from his back injury which kept him from pitching in the All-Star game.

Landmark game: 20 July - Pirates 4 Reds 5

Won 3 of 4 in D.C. Morton pitched OK, we won 6-5 (and Grilli got hurt and eventually went to the DL - good win, but a costly one, hopefully we can manage until he's back - thank god for Mr. Melancon). Next day Cole pitched amazing, we won 5-1. Then Liriano pitched even more amazing, we won 4-2.

Then probably the most topsy-turvy crazy insane game happened. There were errors, ejections, a crazy comeback by the Bucs, but in the end it was an L thanks to a Bryce Harper walk-off HR.

Landmark game: 25 July - Pirates 7 Nationals 9

Lost 2 of 3 in Miami. I know Miami's been playing better of late and by all reasonable measures I should be more mad about the Cincy series but this series really grated. Lost the first game due to a missing offense with no excuses. Won the second. Then lost the third after an offensive outburst followed by offensive silence (which is a bit more excusable than the 1st game because in this one the very talented 20-year old phenom Jose Fernandez started opposite Cole, but still). The only consolation I take from this series is that while the Bucs lost 2 of 3 to the Fish, the Cards were being swept by the Braves, and the Reds lost 3 of 4 to the red hot Dodgers. No harm no foul I guess, but a nice little opportunity missed.

Coming out of the break the Pirates went 5-5 on their 10 game road trip. At that level, absolutely nothing to complain about. The Pirates' job right now is to stay competitive in the division, and playing 0.500 ball on the road is a great step toward that.

Now if the Pirates really want to make some strides toward a division title, well that's gonna take a bit more. Like winning more than they lose against the Cards and Reds the rest of the way.

Welcome to PNC, STL. We're 1.5 games back, and we're waiting for ya.