This offense is likely to drive one to drink. Maybe not this one, but someone out there. Rich Harden gave up nine hits and one walk in seven innings, but the Pirates collected just one run off him. Harden started off strong, limiting the Pirates to just two base runners over the first four innings. However, the Pirates scored once in the fifth (despite four hits), had two hits in the sixth and two more hits in the seventh. But that lone run in the fifth was all she wrote.
Zach Duke deserved better. He also went seven and gave up all three Chicago runs. He gave up seven hits and a walk. Big blows were delivered by Ryan Theriot (solo tater) and Milton Bradley (RBI double).
Carlos Marmol and Kevin Gregg finished for Harden.
The Good
Duke seems like a different pitcher in 2009. And that is definitely good.
Nyjer Morgan had three singles.
Andrew McCutchen had his first hit in four games.
The Bad
Wicked hot Andy LaRoche was 0-4 with three whiffs.
The Rest
This was Harden’s first career appearance against Pittsburgh.
After winning his first four career decisions against the Cubs, Duke has now lost six straight.
