truebluefan

Perhaps the Pirates could describe their approach as Dink, Duke and D.

They have little power at the plate, but they seem increasingly capable of scratching out enough offense to win, as was the case in a seven-single, 4-3 clipping of the Milwaukee Brewers last night at PNC Park.

They lack power on the mound, too, but Zach Duke and the rest of the mostly finesse staff have compensated in recent weeks by combining control with sound defensive support.

In this one, Duke went eight innings, limited Milwaukee to two runs and five hits and benefited from a diving stab by third baseman Freddy Sanchez that quashed a rally in the sixth. Salomon Torres wobbled in the ninth but slipped through, thanks largely to an acrobatic, across-the-body throw by shortstop Jack Wilson from deep in the hole.

complete article