by Zane Heiple
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| Photo by Getty Images |
The Pittsburgh Pirates played their 18th and final game against the Houston Astros for 2011 tonight. This game was a back and forth battle ending with the Buccos winning 5-4. Andrew McCutchen was the star of tonight going 2-3 with two HR, four RBI, and drawing one walk.
The Astros regained that four run lead in the fourth inning when Clint Barmes hit a home run to left field to make the score 4-1. That lead did not last long. Cutch would come to the plate with two runners on in the fifth inning with two outs and gave the crowd at PNC Park plenty to cheer about as he hit his second homer of the night, this time to left field to tie the game.
With all these home runs tonight, both starting pitcher did not go very deep into the game. Pirate’s starter Brian Burres would only last 3.2 innings giving up four runs on seven hits while allowing three home runs. Astros starter J.A. Happ wasn’t much better going five innings giving up four runs on five hits, while striking out eight and walking four. The Pirates bullpen stepped up tonight bridging the gap from starter to closer and Joel Hanrahan would earn his 36th save of the year.
Record vs. Astros: 11-7
Record vs. N.L. Central: 35-36
Record at PNC Park: 33-39
Overall Record 66-77
As Always…
