Pittsburgh Pirates: Regular season results for June - MLB 2011 - Part 2
After completing a successful series against Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates were hoping to achieve similar results in a three match series against Arizona Diamondbacks as well. Improving their win-loss record to 28-30, Clint Hurdle and his men had showed amazing determination and fighting spirit to stay in the playoffs race. It was an astonishing achievement considering the kind of start they had made to their regular season campaign.
In game one, the Pirates looked in supreme form as they outclassed the opposition team in almost all aspects of the game. Lyle Overbay led the pack in emphatic fashion as he hit a three run double to cap a five run eighth innings and the Pirates secured a deserving win to take 1-0 lead in the series.
Daniel Hudson was brilliant in the pitching department of the game as he pitched with control and accuracy to let his side take control over the contest. “Hudson pitched a pretty good game for them today, they got a new guy in there and we were able to jump on him,” said Andrew McCutchen, who scored his third run in the eighth. “We didn't give up; we just kept battling.”
Clint Hurdle’s side continued their impressive form in game two of the series as well. Holding their nerves in a nail-biting encounter, they took a decisive 2-0 lead to win their third consecutive series. Andrew McCutchen was the star of the show as he batted in the winning run to take his side to glory. Hitting a game ending home run, he jumped high into the air to celebrate the win with his team-mates.
“I don't think you'll ever see me go leaping into home plate anymore like I did that night. It's too dangerous. Plus, I was tired. It was a long, hot night and I was just glad it was over and we got the win,” said McCutchen.
Although the Pirates were unable to deliver the goods in third and final game, they improved their win-loss record to 30-31. Making a large number of unforced errors during the contest, they let their rivals dictate terms.
The Pirates made a very shaky start to their next three match series with New York Mets. Looking completely out of sorts, they received an 8-1 hammering in the opening game. Wasting opportunities, they allowed easy runs to Mets’ batters. Re-grouping themselves, the Pirates bounced back brilliantly in the following game as they levelled the series at 1-1.
Andre McCutchen gave another sensational performance as he hit a towering home run in the 12th innings to lift the Pirates to a 3-2 win. However, the Pirates were unable to maintain their good form in the final game and they suffered their first series loss of the month.
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