Game 33: Pirates 6, Astros 1

Charlie "Screw 2-12, I'm Good This Year" Morton

Well, frankly there's not a whole lot to hash out about this game. Since I need to be studying for finals, I won't overanalyze; instead this will be a Quick Hits version of the 2nd matchup in the Astros-Pirates series.

• You can't blame Bud Norris for this loss. Sure he gave up 3 ER in the 2nd, but after that he was surprisingly effective at scattering hits and striking out guys. Fans can't expect the number 3 starter to go out there and give up 1 ER in every 4 starts, which is what Norris had done until tonight. He still pitched a good game, and it simply wasn't his fault that the Astros lost on Saturday, even if the score card says so.
• That being said, I can't even necessarily say that it was the Astros' bats that were to blame tonight. Charlie Morton went nearly 8 innings, giving up only 1 ER on 7 H and 1 BB. The hits were there by the guys, but Morton was simply better tonight by getting outs when it counted. He's no Nolan Ryan, but I'm buying into the fact that he might actually be a quality pitcher now, having already collected twice as many wins as he had in all of 2010.
• Hopefully, Carlos Lee's recent (semi) hot streak isn't a fluke. He knocked in the Astros' lone run in the 8th, driving in Michael Bourn on a two-out single. That gives him 4 RBIs on a 4-for-10 stretch over the last 7 days at the plate. I would still love to see this fat LF get out of town, but at least he's above the Mendoza line now and seems to be somewhat figuring it out at the plate.
• Lastly, it's time for the nightly questioning of one of Brad Mills' decisions. After the Astros had staged their mini-rally in the 8th, the score stood 3-1, a close game that was certainly within striking distance for the hot-hitting club. So, naturally, to get the much-needed 1-2-3 inning in the bottom of the frame, Mills brought in...Jose Valdez. Look, I recognize that this guy has potential, and that his debut against San Diego was downright nasty. However, he's sporting Figueroa-esque numbers with an 12.71 ERA and a WHIP over 2.00. Sure, he's young and he needs to get into games to round into form, but a 2-run deficit with a reasonable chance to win is not one of those situations. For those who didn't watch, Valdez only lasted 2/3 of an inning, giving up 3 ER,  a hit and 2 walks. Here's the way to do it Millisie: when you're down by 3 runs or less, especially against a team like Pittsburgh, try bringing in your relievers that have proven that they can at least sorta throw the ball (i.e. Wilton Lopez, Jeff Fulchino, or Mark Melancon). When you're getting shellacked or doing the shellacking, then you can bring in the young guys like Valdez and Enerio de Rosario. Don't give up on a game that doesn't look absolutely hopeless. One win can make a big difference for a young club.

J.A. Happ goes against James McDonald tomorrow at 12:35 pm for the rubber game of the series at PNC Park.