I love beating the Phillies

Clearly the Phillies are the best team in the NL, but right now they are the second best team in PA. The Pirates have won their series after surviving Cole Hammels, and beating the 5th starter, who is Kendrick for this week at any rate. Morton settled down after giving up a first inning run, and the Pirates offense responded immediately with McCutchen knocking in Tabata on an infield hit, who led off with a double, and was moved to third by a bunt by Paul. Overbay then banged one off of the Clemente wall to grab a lead.

All in all Morton did well. He limited early damage and kept the Phillies in the park. Good job by Charlie. I am officially impressed and a believer in his turn-around. Hanrahan made it far too interesting in the 9th loading the bases, and giving up a run on a Palanco single. I am ready to see Palanco leave town. He has hurt the Pirates on offense as well as defense. But Joel did get the next guy to end the game.

McCutchen, Overbay, and Wood had great games. Multiple hits for Overbay and McCutchen, although Overbay's triple was really a single with a 2 base error, but that is modern score keeping for you. Wood homered, which is a real good thing to see as Alvarez is not ready yet. In fact, he is still not doing anything other than hitting and running to first. I don't think we are going to see much of Alvarez this year.

The Pirates go for the sweep and a return to .500 Sunday. However, they also return to the Phillies Rotation of Death. We will see how it goes.