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Pittsburgh Pirates: Regular season results for July - MLB 2011 - Part 1

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Pittsburgh Pirates: Regular season results for July - MLB 2011 - Part 1
Securing a sensational 2-1 win in a three match series, Pittsburgh Pirates looked in prime form at the end of June, 2011. The hitters scored freely and the pitchers pitched with control and accuracy throughout the series.
Clint Hurdle and his men were looking to continue their excellent form in the month of July, 2011 as well to make it all the way to the World Series. Although it was a difficult task, the NL Central team looked very confident following their successful run
in the previous month.
The Pirates were looking to make the most of their opportunities in a four match series against Washington Nationals. However, they failed to control their nerves in a thrilling game one of the series and the Nationals clinched a narrow 2-1 win to take a
1-0 lead in the series. The loss was disappointing for the Pirates as the squad had performed well during the game. However, they aimed to get back into the series with a matured performance in the second game.
Showing both attacking and defensive abilities, the Pirates made their opponents run for their money in game two as they outclassed the Nationals 5-3, to level the series. Garrett Jones hit a towering home run in eighth inning and James McDonald ate up innings
to help Pittsburgh secure a deserving victory.
“It definitely feels good to get one off a lefty. I've been struggling off them,” Jones said. “I saw the ball well today, just trying to make strides and stay close and stay in a big part of the field, stay up the middle and left-center off the lefty --
and was able to stay on that one good.”
“My preparation was a little different this time. My 'pen was a lot more focused, more game-like attitude to bear down on hitters and get that feel going,” said McDonald. “I feel like I carried my bullpen out to the game.”
Despite putting up a brave fight in an important third game of the series, the Pirates were unable to deliver the goods. Not able to handle the heat, Clint Hurdle’s side made regrettable unforced-errors and the Nationals battled back to gain a psychological
advantage in the series. Ivan Rodriguez snatched the go ahead run in the eighth to let the Nationals clinch a cliff-hanger.
Dominating their rivals in almost all areas of the game, the Pirates looked in supreme touch in the fourth and final game of the series. Cruising to a 10-2 win over the Nationals, they levelled the series. The win also improved their win-loss record to 43-41.
Kevin Correia was the star of the show as he won his eleventh game and Andrew McCutchen capped in three hits.
Continued in part 2

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