Astros (80-72) at Pirates (64-89)
PNC Park
- Friday, September 19 6:05 p.m. FSN-HD
- Saturday, September 20 6:05 p.m. FSN-HD
- Sunday, September 21 12:35 p.m. my20
The Pirates head into the final 3 games at home this year with a 38-40 home record . A sweep of the Astros would give them only their second winning record at home since moving into PNC Park in 2001. The Astros are just hoping for a miracle to stay afloat in the Wild Card race and nothing less than a sweep of the rest of the season will keep that hope alive. The last 5 games have been nothing less than sickening, gut-wrenching, stomach churning projectile vomit. With any luck, that crap is out of their system and they will return to playing baseball instead of whining about their butt-screwing by the Burgermeister Meisterburger Selig himself.
Probable Pitching Matchups
Friday, September 19–Randy Wolf, LHP (10-12, 4.58) vs. Ian Snell, RHP (6-11, 5.69) Wolf puked up 4 runs in 2 1/3 innings in his last start vs the Milwaukee Cubs in his last start. He is 6-1 with a 3.64 ERA against the Pirates in nine career starts. The current Pirates lineup has a combined batting average of .186 against him, with no one having more than 13 AB against Randy. Bourn (.429), Matsui (.429), Wigginton (.500) have the best BA of the Astros against Snell (with a minimum of 8 PA). Saccomanno would probably love to have another chance at a first pitch pinch hit homerun against him.
Saturday, September 20–Brian Moehler, RHP (11-7, 4.33) vs. Jimmy Barthmaier, RHP (0-1, 27.00) Moehler has not fared well against the current crop of Bucs who sport a combined .339 average against him. He gave up 5 runs in 5 innings in his last start against the Cubs and needs to get back to his winning ways to keep the Astros’ heads above water. Barthmaier has never faced the Astros, yes, NEVER faced the Astros. Nothing more needs to be said.
Sunday, September 21–Roy Oswalt, RHP (15-10, 3.66) vs. Ross Ohlendorf, RHP (1-3, 6.79) Roy’s return to fantastic pitching hit the skids with a typical Oswalt inning in the first inning of his last start versus the Marlins. He finished the game with 10 K’s but the 5 runs allowed in the first two innings were just too much for the nauseatingly anemic bats to overcome. No one on the Astros has more than 5 AB vs Ohlendorf (he was traded to the Pirates from the Yankees earlier this year). In his only start against the ‘Stros on September 9, Ohlendorf allowed 6 runs on 9 hits in only 4 IP to earn the loss.
Injuries
Astros–Wandy’s strained oblique has him out until late September, and Lee and Paulino are not expected back for the rest of the regular season.
Pirates–Gorzelanny and Wilson (finger, finger-would that be double rods?), along with Dumatrait (shoulder) are out for the season.
Promotions and Giveaways
Friday, September 19–Celebrate Talk Like a Pirate Day in style with genuine Zambelli Fireworks postgame. Nothing like a few sparkly lights in the sky to commemorate plunderin’ some hot booty.
Saturday September 20–Lynard Skynard Concert Sweet Home Pennsylvania doesn’t have the same ring does it?
Sunday, September 21–Fan Appreciation Day and Kids Run the Bases All 14 fans in attendance win Season Tickets for the 2009 season. Fan Appreciation? Cruel and unusual punishment, I say.
In other news…..
You don’t know what you’ve got till its gone–From the amount of email and texts I got about the recent SnS downtime, it is quite apparent that many of us had a difficult time “surviving” without our daily fix of SpikesnStars. I for one want to make it very clear to the admins how much I appreciate them keeping this place alive through the name, admin, and server changes over the years. Great job guys!
This is my last scheduled Series Preview for the 2008 season. I have enjoyed writing each one, and hope that you have not had to suffer too much slogging your way through them. I hope to be asked to continue for next season, but if not, I have only one thing to say…..FUCK THE CUBS.