The Pirates were cruising along, with manager Donnie Kelly choosing to go with a bullpen game and his pitchers throwing a perfect game through six-and-two-thirds innings. But closer Dennis Santana ran into some costly trouble in the ninth inning.
Joe Block has the story.
Kelly says what happened to Santana in the 9th happens to all relievers eventually.
Kelly marveled at rookie Wilbur Dotel, who threw four innings of perfect baseball, topping 100 miles per hour with his fastball several times. He says Dotel has been outstanding since giving up a homer against the Cubs in his Major League debut.
The Bucs and Cards play again tonight at PNC Park. With Braxton Ashcraft on the Family Emergency/Bereavement List, the Bucs have not named a starter. The Cards will go with righthander Kyle Leahy (2-3, 5.63 ERA). Airtime is 6:15, first pitch at 6:40 on WCCS.
ALTOONA
Altoona opens a six-game home series against Richmond tonight, with Connor Wietgrefe on the mound for the Curve.
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