Tonight, the Pirates play the Padres from Pittsburgh in the final game of this series tonight. Whoever wins takes the series win.

Pitching Match-Up

Pirates
John Van Benschoten
(1-2) 8.27 ERA with 19 K’s this season

Padres
Josh Banks
(2-4) 3.51 ERA with 29 K’s this season

Low-Down
If you ask me who the one starting pitcher in the Pirates line-up I would replace would be, I would say Van Benschoten. He really is not of Major league talent, and all he does is raise his ERA. I doubt he last more than 3 innings.

Key Factor
Tonight’s key factor will be the Pirates offense scoring fast and often. I don’t trust Van Benschoten on the mound, so the Buccos need to score quickly. Adam LaRoche had his first multi-home-run game last night with his 13th and 14th homers. He will be one of the guys to get us out of holes if we fall into them. Losing Xavier Nady, a.k.a. the Un-Tier, to the Yanks will hurt our offensive production in the long haul, but at least we got a decent pitcher in return that can maybe take over for Van Benschoten.

Prediction
Pirates- 9, Padres- 5
I wouldn’t doubt 80% of the runs that San Diego scores tonight come off Johnny V, but at least our bullpen has some good relievers. I think the offense will dominate and bring home a “W”. 9-5 Buccos.

-Mike Greenspire

Tonight, The Pirates play the Padres in the 2nd game of this series.

Pitching Match-Up

Pirates
Zach Duke
(4-7) 4.92 ERA with 49 K's this season

Padres
Cha Seung Baek
(0-1) 5.40 ERA with 15 K's this season

Low-Down
Zach Duke is a good pitcher, but has had some serious question marks surrounding his consistency this season. However, I don't see that becoming an dissue due to San Diego's weak batting order.

Key Factor
Tonight's key factor will be how long Duke spends time in the game. The longer he is on the mound, the longer the Padres will be kept from taking the lead. If Duke gives us a solid 6 innings, I'll be happy and comfortable putting Tyler Yates in for relief.

Prediction
Pirates-11, Padres- 3
The Pirates are on a hot streak of late, taking down the Astros and Padres to win 4 straight. I see the winning streak continuing tonight with a 5th straight win, 11-3 Buccos.

-Mike Greenspire

Tonight the Pirates take on the San Diego Padres from PNC Park.

Pitching Match-Up

Pirates
Yoslan Herrera
(0-1) 19.50 ERA with 5 K's this season

Padres
Clay Hensley
(1-0) 0.00 ERA with 3 K's this season

Low-Down
Herrera did ot have a good outing last time against Colorado. His ERA rocketed up to 19.50 after giving up plenty of runs in one inning of work. I think that he will do better at home, and the Padres line-up is not terrific, either, so I see his ERA shooting downwards fast tonight.

Key Factor
Tonight's key factor will be for Herrera to not dig holes for the Pirates offense to climb out of. He needs to get his pitches under control and keep the Padres from getting base-runners. If the Pirates can put some run support up on the board, I think Herrera will play more relaxed and comfortable.

Prediction
Pirates- 8, Padres- 5
I think the Pirates are doing quite good lately for what people give them credit for. Ryan Doumit is doing great the past few games, so I see him being one of the offensive players to watch out for. 8-5 Bucs.

-Mike Greenspire