Let's Go Bucs 2024!

[MJG75]

Tough loss last night after the exciting win the night before. Let's take the rubber game today riding Skenes' right arm! Who ride???

[Dan Smith--BYU]

Can Justin Fields or Russ pitch mid-relief?

[Stlcrtn1974]

Can Justin Fields or Russ pitch mid-relief?

I think they should of let Jones and Skenes go one more inning each, especially last night with Bednar being out. Rowdy fucking blows too.

[SteelPro]

Was Shelton asleep during the 8th inning? Stratton should have been given the hook after surrendering that 3 run homer.

[MJG75]

Was Shelton asleep during the 8th inning? Stratton should have been given the hook after surrendering that 3 run homer.

That's exactly what I was thinking.

Two really rough losses. Let's see if we can get off the schneid v Braves. Let's GO Bucs!

[ol skool]

Was Shelton asleep during the 8th inning? Stratton should have been given the hook after surrendering that 3 run homer.

That's exactly what I was thinking.

Two really rough losses. Let's see if we can get off the schneid v Braves. Let's GO Bucs!

A sweep is on the table, though I’d be shocked if they pull it off vs Sale. No complaints from me.

[MJG75]

Couldn't pull off the sweep but it was a good series. They really need to go on a tear soon, like 8 straight, or something like 9 of 12. We'll see. So much has to come together for them to advance much further, and now injuries are starting up. Though maybe we'll get Marco Gonzalez and Borucki back again soon. 2 today in Detroit, Jones and Skenes. Man, I wouldn't want to be a Detroit batter today. Let's go, Bucs!

[franco>madden]

Whooeee that was a nice MLB win over the highly salaried Doyers tonight. Jones and Chapman (!) bringing the heat and making a solo Suwinski home run hold up for the W.

Tomorrow: Skenes vs. Paxton with 8 wins and no losses between them

(was hoping the stupid Dodgers would broadcast tomorrow's game on regular TV as they do on a few occasions per season, but so far looks like it'll only be available out here on their overpriced pay channel)

Beat 'em Bucs!

[Ice]

Don't know if it breaks the juju posting or not, but what a fun regular season baseball game last night. Lot to like about this team, though the record isn't showing it, yet. Bullpen definitely the issue. I'll be watching tomorrow, for sure.

[swissvale72]

I’m following the Bucs for the first time in a verrrry long time. Believe tonight’s game is on MLB network

[franco>madden]

Always nice to have some company on the "ship of fools" Pirate bandwagon

Thanks Swiss - I watch all the games on my free MLB TV deal from T-Mobile ... EXCEPT when we play the Angels or Dodgers in which case it's blacked out in SoCal

[franco>madden]

The cleanest win you can get last night and then a slop-fest 10 - 6 haymaker tonight. Pirates D was pretty shaky at several points. Skenes started red hot, bringing the 100+ mph heat to set down LA in order in the 1st, but perhaps not remaining as sharp this time out (still struck out 8 but gave up a couple dingers). He did hang tough for 6 frames and had what it took for the W. Buccos capitalizing on Dodger muffs and piling on the runs when they could.

We had em allll the way!!

PS. Only way I could watch this one was at a local Rock & Brews establishment - - not sure if they do this crap back east, but it seems like every restaurant in SoCal now has to have 20 giant screen TVs, each showing different distracting programming simultaneously (not even all sports; a few had arts & crafts channels?) ... all the while everything is being drowned out by insanely loud crappy rock music videos.

I guess they've determined that most customers have the attention span of a gnat these days - what the hell is wrong with people? ‍

[MJG75]

I’m following the Bucs for the first time in a verrrry long time. Believe tonight’s game is on MLB network

As Franco said, good to have you join us here, Swiss.

Series already won against the Dodgers, loving every moment of it. Brooms are out today. We are also creeping back to .500. Need to generate a push this month, need some win streaks and/or consecutive series wins to boost our record. Division is open, Brewers aren't that far ahead, yet, and everyone else is kind of stuck in the same rut. Time to bust out and no better way to do it than against the big budget Dodgers!

Beat 'em Bucs! Let's go, Bailey Falter!

[MJG75]

How about that Nick Gonzalez kid? 20 RBI in 23 games since being called up this season. Seems a solid 2nd baseman, not sure of his range to play SS, but loving his clutch bat right now. We need more of these kids to step it up. Let's Go Bucs!

[franco>madden]

Agreed MeanJoe on Gonzalez' bat, we need every bit of help at the plate. I'm no expert but his defense did look a little shakey at short last night -- might've been tough plays but I seem to remember him botching a couple grounders that allowed batters to reach first. In contrast to the Doyers' Mookie Betts who was smooth as butter out there ...

[MJG75]

Since Skenes came up, Bucs are 12-10. Of the 10 losses, 5 were by 1 run. We are close, real close. If a few of our bats wake up and we can tweak the pen just a bit more, look out. We might be right there. Let's go!

[SteelPro]

This is probably the first time since the early 80’s that the #1 strength of the team is undoubtedly the starting rotation.

[JackLambert58]

This is probably the first time since the early 80’s that the #1 strength of the team is undoubtedly the starting rotation.

Even in the 70's golden years, the strength was not the starting rotation. Here's hoping this gels into something special.

[MJG75]

Though it ended poorly, a fine weekend of baseball for the Buccos! Two shutouts and a battle until the 10th inning in yesterday's game. I'll take it for sure. We're in this thing, like it or not, just need to get some separation in the division. I'm still hopefully for a +.500 finish and a possible WC appearance. Was nice to see Rowdy finally have his day on Saturday. Let's hope that continues! Let's go Bucs!

[ol skool]

Glad to see another great start from Skenes not go to waste in St Louis. Close one, though.

Tough one coming up against Sonny Gray, especially since our bats just made Mikolas look like a stud.

[Rod & Wire Mill]

This is probably the first time since the early 80’s that the #1 strength of the team is undoubtedly the starting rotation.

Even in the 70's golden years, the strength was not the starting rotation. Here's hoping this gels into something special.

After champions Vern Law, Bob Friend, Harvey Haddix, and Joe Gibbon they’ve historically lacking in starting pitchers. JimmBunning Bob Veale, Bob Moose, Steve Blass, Garret brought some joy but, overall, it’s been pretty bleak. A guy or two here or there, but could never get a full load.

Can’t wait to see the young Bucs in the World Series!
(Playing against each other for other teams.)

[SteelPro]

The 1983 and 84 Pirates had really strong rotations. The 1984 team only won 75 games but had the best ERA in the league. Rick Rhoden and John Candelaria both had 2.72 ERA. That team also had John Tudor. Starting pitchers tossed 27 complete games and 8 shutouts for the team that year. Those were the last teams I can think of that were carried by starting pitching.

[Pabst]

The Cardinals lineup & rotation would be incredible if this were still 2016.

[MJG75]

The 1983 and 84 Pirates had really strong rotations. The 1984 team only won 75 games but had the best ERA in the league. Rick Rhoden and John Candelaria both had 2.72 ERA. That team also had John Tudor. Starting pitchers tossed 27 complete games and 8 shutouts for the team that year. Those were the last teams I can think of that were carried by starting pitching.

It's rare that the Bucs would be known for pitching. Early to mid 80s, I was mostly out of touch with sports. But looking back, I see that the early 80s Bucs were typically in the hunt, but either pitching or hitting was their downfall. Those great pitching years, they had down hitting years, and vice versa, I believe.

The other dominant pitching time would be mid-60s with Vern Law and Bob Veale. That staff could be dominant quite often. 1972 was also a great year for pitching, but I wouldn't say it carried the ball club, there was too much hitting on that squad.

[Steel City Fan]

The cleanest win you can get last night and then a slop-fest 10 - 6 haymaker tonight. Pirates D was pretty shaky at several points. Skenes started red hot, bringing the 100+ mph heat to set down LA in order in the 1st, but perhaps not remaining as sharp this time out (still struck out 8 but gave up a couple dingers). He did hang tough for 6 frames and had what it took for the W. Buccos capitalizing on Dodger muffs and piling on the runs when they could.

We had em allll the way!!

PS. Only way I could watch this one was at a local Rock & Brews establishment - - not sure if they do this crap back east, but it seems like every restaurant in SoCal now has to have 20 giant screen TVs, each showing different distracting programming simultaneously (not even all sports; a few had arts & crafts channels?) ... all the while everything is being drowned out by insanely loud crappy rock music videos.

I guess they've determined that most customers have the attention span of a gnat these days - what the hell is wrong with people? ‍

Hey Franco, I live on So Cal also. Which Rock n Brews did you watch the game at? I used to live in OC until recently, went to the Rock n Brews in Buena Park several times. Actually watched a couple of the Pens vs Caps series there back in 2016

[JackLambert58]

Since I am quick to criticize our Bucs, please let me pour out some praise for Paul Skenes. He was masterful last night on national television. And here's some praise for the ol' master Cutch looking like his old self lately. I enjoyed switching back and forth between that and watching my Celtics win the NBA Championship.

[ol skool]

Since I am quick to criticize our Bucs, please let me pour out some praise for Paul Skenes. He was masterful last night on national television. And here's some praise for the ol' master Cutch looking like his old self lately. I enjoyed switching back and forth between that and watching my Celtics win the NBA Championship.

The Reds were all over his fastball early. He adjusted and had them baffled with a heavier dose of his other offerings. Veteran move. And what an arsenal that man has. Kudos to the Bucs for getting him some run support early.

[Dan Smith--BYU]

Skenes is the best athlete in the city after Watt and Sid.

[SteelPro]

Skenes is the best athlete in the city after Watt and Sid.

Agreed. I hope this guy can stay healthy. His arsenal is off the charts.

[swissvale72]

Starting pitching on this team has been fuckin amazing. Reds score what…2 runs in 3 games? Only 2 hits surrendered in todays shutout