In a great matchup, the Pirates prevailed over the Hummingbirds in Gruner last night behind five good innings from starter Richie Knaupp -- who has been tremendous on the hill this season -- and a two relief innings from Todd Calhoun, who closed the door.
Down 4-1 in the 5th, the Bucs scored five to take the lead, highlighted by triples by Bob Yakatan and Steve Lounello and some aggressive baserunning by Mike Kane. Jimmy McQuade went 2-3 with two RBIs, while Preller got two hits and scored twice. Returned from an injury, Ron Smaka has gone 9-11 in his last three games. His streak of eight consecutive base hits -- which can really help a batting average, btw -- was finally snapped in the 3rd inning. Greg Johnson made a terrific catch in RF and Pete Zamory provided some padding with a clutch late-inning RBI.
Gruner was in great shape and the Pirates' infielders appreciated the true hops. In the final frame the 'birds scored a run and loaded the bases, threatening to come back until the last strike.
