Gorzilla Attacks!!!

The placid life on the Pacific coast was once again traumatically interrupted by the emergence of another monster of reckless and ruthless nature. Godzilla returns? No, not Godzilla - GOR-zilla!

Tom Gorzenally landed in Seattle last night and led the Bucs to a big victory in the opening game of what could be the most crucial road trip on the season. Gorzo showed the world, or at least the handful that stay up to catch Pacific Time Zone programming, why he is a probable all-star. The young lefty gave a strong 7 innings, walking none, and yielding only 2 earned runs to pace the Buccos in a 5-3 victory. Oh, what about my "wall" theory (see post # 3)? Gorzo The Great pulled a Randy Johnson on me and hurled 123 strong pitches. I'll re-state, 123 pitches!

The Bucs also got some quality bullpen work out of basically every healthy reliever not currently under suspension. The bats were also responsive, especially that of a Senor Sanchez who stroked a few timely hits. How cool would it be for Freddy to get hot right now?

Most importantly, the Bucs showed a little more of what they have been displaying lately...fortitude. Actually buckling down and finishing out a game that they should win. No mental breakdowns in the 9th. No big strikeout with bases loaded and the score tied. Here's a new concept...insurance runs. We got a few tack-ons last night, and guess what? We needed them.

Last night's win was as big as any on this season. The Bucs entered the brutal Seattle/Anaheim road swing at 9 games under .500, but still showing serious desire to get back over the hump. Anything less than 3 and 3 is going to really dampen the chances for recovery. Let's face it, regardless of what the Brass says about the insignificance of "The Streak", 82 is the single biggest number in the Pirates organization. Losing 4 or 5 games on this west coast trip is going to all but kill that chance for this year.

We got Snell and Gorzo once more on this swing, and it appears that the hitters are really settling in, so the chances are decent for a .500 trip or better.

Let's hope we keep this going...time for an afternoon beer. What, can't celebrate??