Seriously, new manager needed (16-34)

The Pirates got another great start from their starter. This time it was Paul Malholm. The Pirates even jumped out to an early lead as McCutchen (hot again), tripled, and Garrett Jones hit a homer. But the Pirates were the Pirates in the second as Clement and Diaz each got a hit, and then they were bunted over to second and third by Malholm. But McCutchen struck out on three straight pitches, and Jones failed to get a hit ending the inning. And you had that sinking feeling in your gut it was also the end of the offense as well.

But the Astros are a bad team and Malholm only gave up a solo homer until the 6th when he ran into trouble. But the Astros this time failed to capitalize with one out and runners on the corners. A ground ball to Alvarez should have scored a run, but Alvarez went home and they got the runner. Not typical for the Pirates, but a good sign.

Then worry set in again as JR lets Malholm hit for himself in the top of the 7th. It almost always spells disaster, but maybe a tired bullpen is the reason. Malholm did get a hit in that at bat. Malholm only had 82 pitches at the time, but he struggled in that 6th and was saved by that rundown at home. Of course Malholm ran into trouble immediately. Lead off single, bunt moves him to second and a three-two count on the next hitter, but Malholm got him to chase a slider for a big out. But in the end, it did back fire as Houston tied it on a two out single. One has to question the decision making here. Even if we think the gamble to bring Malholm back out is okay, they might should have gotten him after that strike out. He as into the 90’s on the pitch count by that point and struggling. He was facing a right handed hitter, and you have righties in the bullpen. Leaving him in to face right handed Hunter Pence, who had the earlier home run was clearly bad and was 2 for 3 on the day. A three-one count was sure doom. Pence delivered and the Astros took the lead. It was ridiculous that the previous runner was in scoring position. The throw was never going to get the guy at home and it appeared to high to be cut off. Yet another poor play in the field allowing the winning run to second. JR did come get Malholm now that he could get a loss rather than a win or a no-decision. JR is the worst manager of pitchers I have ever seen. Oh yes, Resop did get the out on the first batter he faced.

In the end, this was a game the Pirates deserved to lose. They struck out 14 times against Astros starter Bud Norris, and only one of those was Malholm. Everyone struck out at least once and Alvarez struck out all three times he faced Norris.