With all due respect to a terrific outing from James McDonald tonight, and an all around great team win in a much, much needed game, this was an amazing performance from Pedro Alvarez tonight. Pedro was 4 for 5, with 2 MONSTROUS home runs, 3 runs scored and 4 RBI. And did I mention anything about the monstrosity of the two home runs?
Nevermind they were big home runs.
Nevermind they were long home runs.
This game was pretty much the biggest game the Pirates have ever played in the history of PNC Park. They lose tonight, and they are dead to rights – slumping, season slipping away, 4 games out of the wild card with no hope fading fast. But Pedro’s home runs not only led the team in the 9-0 win, but the energy that came along with those two home runs just may have provided the spark and energy that this team desperately needed to get back some positive momentum in the playoff chase.
A 9-0 win gave the Buccos their 69th win of the season. That is more than they won in 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, and 2005. And it is still only August 28th. So that is a great milestone, but in this season of risen expectations, it is just a step along the way. And as big of a game as it was, it’s career as the biggest game ever in PNC Park history will be shortlived, as tomorrow night, the Pirates will play one just a little bigger. But after that game, it’s 9 games against the Brewers, Astros, and Cubs. Then 3 in Cincinnati, followed by 10 more games against the Brewers, Astros and Cubs. That is a schedule that plays favorably for the Pirates, but they still have to win the games.
The performance from Pedro tonight was as clutch and locked in as you will ever see anyone. Hopefully it was the spark that this team needs to carry them out of August and into September and beyond. Go Buccos!
