The Pirates defeated the Marlins for the third consecutive time today, winning the game 7-3. It was another close, well played and hard fought game for the bucs. Let’s wrap up this homestand and head on to the offday tomorrow where we will look forward to our 6 game road trip!

• Paul Maholm pitched today and got his 3rd consecutive win. This was no doubt his least effective start of the year, but he still pitched very well. He gave up 4 runs in 6 innings while striking out 4 and walking only 1. It shows that Paul Maholm isn’t perfect and could possibly lose a couple of games this year, but the offense didn’t let it happen today.
• The offense hit the ball all through the game, scoring in 5 of their 8 offensive innings. Adam LaRoche led the offense today with 4 hits (one gift), 2 runs and 1 RBI. Before this week LaRoche’s performance was a very pleasant surprise, but after the Doumit injury, I’d say that it is now a vital occurrence.
• Andy LaRoche had a clutch RBI double in the 5th after Brandon Moss was intentionally walked for the 2nd time in the game. The Marlins obviously didn’t find LaRoche as much of a threat today, and although he struck out with the bases loaded in the first, he made them pay in the 5th. I guess the Marlins haven’t noticed how awful Brandon Moss has been at the plate lately. Oh well, our gain.
• Nyjer Morgan created a run of his own as well today. He singled in Delwyn Young, who collected his first hit as a bucco in the form of a 1 out double, and Nyjer then went on to steal third base and score on an overthrow by (former Pirate) Ronny Paulino. I guess it wasn’t that terrible of a throw, so some blame should go to Emilio Bonifacio as well. Nyjer’s play has been consistently terrific, let’s hope he can keep that up.
• The bullpen also did more great work today, giving up no runs in 3 innings of work. Jesse Chavez and Sean Burnett combined for one of those innings of work, setting down their hitters 1-2-3. John Grabow was excellent, striking out the side in the 8th, and Matt Capps finished the game up with his 5th successful save conversion. He is a perfect 5/5 in save opportunities this year. It’s really uplifting to see the bullpen pitching well right along with their starting rotation.

Well the Pirates are done with their first homestand of the year, a stretch in which they went 6-3. their record is now at a beautiful 9-6 record and if the Cubs and Cardinals lose tonight, the Pirates could be tied for the division lead. I’m expecting to see more Pirates on Baseball Tonight!

Tomorrow is an offday, but I’ll think of something to make a post for

Pick ‘Em Friday contestants, get your picks in! I’ll post mine tomorrow.