Skip to main content

Pirates opener: A lot to like

I'm a sucker for opening day.

I've been going to Three Rivers/PNC Park many years now to kick off the start to Pirates' season in good times and bad.

I enjoy the crowds, the ceremonies and all of trimmings that come with the opener.

Monday at PNC Park was no different.

Except if you're looking at the Pirates' record at PNC.

Zach Duke looked like an all-star, the offense looked like the Lumber Company of old and the crowd had one heck of a time celebrating the Bucs' 7-0 win.

It was just the Pirates third win at a PNC Park opener.

The game was one to remember.

Adam LaRoche (!) and Ryan Doumit hit home runs, Freddy Sanchez looked like a former batting champion and the fans actually had "the wave" going around the park.

But it was Duke's day.

It was his third career shutout and the first shutout in a home opener since 1978.

Yeah, it was a good day. It all came together for the Pirates.

Maybe there's more down the road this year.
Labels:

Comments

  1. manos, the hands of fateApril 15, 2009 at 6:10 PM

    They've been pretty good thus far, and that division is not nearly as good as it was last year.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Rick GreenApril 16, 2009 at 3:31 PM

    Thanks for the comment.

    If the Cubs could struggle more, then that would help the Bucs.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Don't compare the Steelers to last year's playoff team

Embed from Getty Images I'm already hearing talk about this year's playoff is unfolding like last year. You know how that went: The Steelers lost their starting running back in Week 17, then lost in the wild-card round against a divisional opponent. This year, DeAngelo Williams was injured in Week 17. And the Steelers face a divisional opponent -- the Bengals. That's where it stops. Williams has a sprained ankle, and is considered day-to-day. They also face an opponent that has a rich history -- of losing in the postseason. That's not to suggest that this game is a gimmie and the Steelers should book a trip to Denver. This will present it's share of challenges, namely A.J. Green and tight end Tyler Eifert. The Steelers will need to slow them down, no matter who's throwing the ball. But, if A.J. McCarron is behind center, that should be in favor of the Steelers -- also something different from a year ago.
Post a Comment
Read more

Time for someone to suspend Roethlisberger

I hate prepared statements. Any time I see an athlete read from a prepared statement, I doubt their sincerity. Anyone can read from a piece of paper. Anyone can rehearse and deliver a speech written by someone else. I can't help but think that was the case Monday when Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger delivered his short words. Can't an athlete speak from the heart these days? I know, I know, there are those worried that an athlete could misspeak, so prepared remarks can keep him on topic. I don't buy it. And I hope the league or the Steelers aren't buying it either. One or both need to suspend Roethlisberger. I'm tired of his antics. I'm sure the Steelers are too. Probably throw in NFL commish Roger Goodell. Maybe the return of sensibility to the Steelers organization won't end with Sunday's trade of Santonio Holmes.
2 comments
Read more

Are the Steelers the team no one wants to face?

Embed from Getty Images There's a label attached to the Steelers this postseason: The team no one wants to face. Don't buy it? Monday Morning QB thinks so . Andy Benoit says an explosive passing game and creative defense makes Pittsburgh the most dangerous team in the AFC. I don't think the Ravens had any problems facing the Steelers two weeks ago. But, hey, the Ravens aren't in the playoffs, right? The problem with the Steelers is the defense. They might be creative, as Benoit suggests, but they're also vulnerable to the big play. The team seems to play up -- or down -- to its competition. So, again, there are no Ravens in the playoffs, so they can't be accused of playing down. However, the Steelers have to like their chances with the Bengals on Saturday. One Vegas line on Sunday night had Pittsburgh as a small favorite. Does that mean the Steelers could play down to Cincy? I'm sure the Steelers will be fired up. And it is the po...
Post a Comment
Read more