I’ve been an advocate of the “one day at a time” approach all season, but I think it’s especially important for the Pirates right now. They can’t win anything at this point, but every time the team puts together a strong performance like last night, especially when it comes from a few key guys, it’s important for the big picture. With Jose Tabata back in the lineup, I think that becomes even more true.
Tonight at PNC, we get an interesting Jeff Karstens vs. Chris Carpenter pitching matchup. Karstens’ coming off of one of his best starts of the year, but striking out nine Giants right now is almost less impressive than striking out nine Pirates. If he can keep the ball in the park against a good Cardinal lineup, I think he’ll probably be in good shape tonight. If not, well, I always think the Regression Monster is lurking when Karstens is on the mound anymore. Carpenter, meanwhile, is slowly starting to fade into the sunset of his career, I think, and while he’s still a very good pitcher, he’s not exactly the sort of pitcher that gives the Pirates fits anymore. He’s not a big strikeout guy (though he might be against the Pirates), and when the Pirates put balls in play, sometimes good things happen.
First pitch tonight is at 7:05, with relative peace afterwards standing in stark contrast to last night’s madness.
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