Wasted Gem (12-13)

LOSS 7-4

At 12-13, the Pirates are now starting to show many signs of being an inconsistent team. The starting pitchers still have the best ERA in the Majors, despite Jeff Karstens being mediocre at best. But that is one of the few bright spots at this point. The bullpen is shaky, and the lineup, which clearly misses Ryan Doumit's bat in the middle, will put up 8 runs one night and get 2 hits the next, often times cancelling out a great start by Zach Duke or Paul Maholm. Tonight, the bullpen was the culprit. After Paul Maholm left with a 3-2 lead in the 8th, John Grabow gave up a run to tie it, and after Jason Jaramillo's double gave the Pirates the lead back, Matt Capps blew the save by giving up a 3-run homer to Rickie Weeks and allowing 4 runs total in the top of the 9th.

The Pirates take on the Brewers again tonight at 7:05 to end their quick series before going back on the road for six games. Former Pirate Jeff Suppan will go for the Brewers against Ian Snell.