OnlyBucs

Bottom of the 8th 5-5.

Bell with a lead off double.

WOW! What a play by Bell and Vazquez to record the 2nd out in the 9th!!



Buccos win!!

I think this game may have brought some fans back. I noticed the fans were definitely pulling for Vazquez when he faced McCutchen in the 8th inning with the bases loaded. Ultimately, for most people, it’s about the name on the front of the jersey.



Great win!

Bucs now 7 games over 500 and after tomorrow their next 10 games are against the White Sox, Padres, and Reds. A chance to really take advantage and stay on top in the division. This lineup and this team overall is for real. They can really hit a lot.

Might be time finally to think about moving Kontos out of that 8th inning role. He is just not getting it done at this point and with the team winning now and well over .500 you can’t leave him in that role much longer. I’d have no problem now if Feliz and Rich Rodriguez were both the 7th and 8th inning guys. They both have very good strikeout numbers and seem to get the big outs when needed. Hopefully Hurdle and the staff will consider this going forward. It’s probably the best option at this point.

05223337322F10243332322F560 wrote: Might be time finally to think about moving Kontos out of that 8th inning role. He is just not getting it done at this point and with the team winning now and well over .500 you can’t leave him in that role much longer. I’d have no problem now if Feliz and Rich Rodriguez were both the 7th and 8th inning guys. They both have very good strikeout numbers and seem to get the big outs when needed. Hopefully Hurdle and the staff will consider this going forward. It’s probably the best option at this point.
Yes. Kontos has been scored on in 3 of his last 4 outings and has given up at least 1 hit in his last 5 games. ERA of 4.58. You can't just designate a guy for the 8th inning for better or worse. He needs to be able to consistently shut down the opponent. It defeats the purpose of saving the best reliever for the 9th inning to get a save if the 8th inning pitcher gives up runs and prevents the save opportunity.   



Kontos leads the Pirate relievers in most hits allowed and his WHIP of 1.415 is the worst on the team except for Glasnow.

Cervelli's 6 HRs surpasses last year's total of 5 and is one away from his career high of 7.

Kontos was good last year. I wouldn't mind him being released this year. I don't even think he hit 90 mph. The Pirates could probably make an easy trade and get a bullpen arm if they want experience. Musgrove is coming back too.



Feliz and Rodriquez have been solid.