Pittsburgh Pirates: Regular season results - MLB July 2011 - Part 2
With a decent 43-41 win-loss record, things were looking very bright for the Pittsburgh Pirates. This was the first time the Pirates had a managed to get over the breakeven point (50 percent win percentage) in twelve years.
The last decade had proved to be a disaster for the Pirates at the Majors League Baseball as they failed to reach the post season in any season. Clint Hurdle and his men had done a remarkable job to gain the winning momentum in 2011 and they aimed to end
the season strongly to make it to the World Series.
The Pirates had ended the four-match series with the Washington Nationals on a very high note as they emerged victorious 10-2 in the final game to level the series at 2-2. Looking in a very confident mood, the Pirates got off to a flying start in their next
three-match series with Houston Astros as well. Dominating their rivals in almost all departments of the game, they secured a comfortable 5-3 win to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Lyle Overbay, Neil Walker, Garrett Jones and Chase D’Arnaud each had two hits for the Pirates, which gave the home fans a lot to cheer about. However, Paul Maholm was the real star of the show as he allowed only one run in six innings to let Pittsburgh establish
complete control over the contest.
“It's fun, but we need to continue to play well,” Maholm said. “In September, it will be a lot more fun. For any of us who have been here, it's uncharted waters, but you're seeing a group that's having fun and likes playing in front of big crowds. Today
was cool. These were all Pirates' fans and you had 10,000 military personnel here, too. It was really a special day.”
The Pirates continued their impressive form in game two of the series as well and they secured a thumping 5-1 win to take a decisive 2-0 lead. Jeff Karstens led the pack in emphatic fashion as he allowed only one run in seven plus innings and the Pirates
demolished the Astros to improve their win loss record to 45-41.
“It's been one of those things where I'll ride the wave until it ends,” said Karstens, who began the season in the bullpen and with a 12-27 career record.
However, despite having the momentum on their side, the Pirates were unable to play their natural game freely in the third and final game of the series. Astros took complete advantage of the situation and they scored a big 8-2 win to restore some of their
lost pride.
Continued in part 3
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