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00:00:00Welcome into Busch Stadium in downtown St. Louis.
00:00:13MLB The Show has action out of the NL Central.
00:00:17It's the Pittsburgh Pirates, the St. Louis Cardinals.
00:00:20Joined by my partner Chris Singleton, I'm John Chompy, singing a pair of top-level arms
00:00:26on the mound today.
00:00:27I think what makes these guys so great is their tempo.
00:00:30They don't take very much time in between pitches.
00:00:32It doesn't give the hitters an opportunity to try to think with you and gain an advantage
00:00:37in this chess match.
00:00:38All right, we'll be back to get this one started after this.
00:00:44Just about ready to roll, and today's starter, Dizzy Dean.
00:00:48Chris, it's a little more common these days, but still, he's a strikeout per inning type
00:00:53of guy.
00:00:54Well, I hear you about the strikeouts.
00:00:56It's a lot more guys striking out today, but when you consider having the ability to
00:01:00get that strikeout, particularly when you need it, a man on third, less than two outs,
00:01:04situations where, yeah, maybe you're not a strikeout guy, but just knowing you have the
00:01:08swing and miss stuff in a big spot, I think it's real critical, and he's got it.
00:01:13Hannes Wagner in the box here, lets that one go for a ball.
00:01:24Here comes the pitch, and there's a foul ball.
00:01:40Righty delivers, and a pop-up right side, foul territory.
00:01:47No trouble here, puts it away for the out, and there's one away.
00:01:52Here's a Pirates lineup now, and a big factor for them in recent games, Roberto Clemente.
00:01:57Don't move.
00:01:58Clearly, he's just one of the best hitters to ever play this game, being a member of
00:02:03the 3,000-Hit Club, just a true professional hitter.
00:02:06I know we use that term, but this guy is just the epitome of it.
00:02:10It's so much fun to watch him swing the bat and just work a pitcher.
00:02:13You can learn so much about the art of hitting from just watching this guy go about his business.
00:02:22Archie Vaughn stands in here, leaves that one off the inside, and a 1-0.
00:02:41Good eye right there.
00:02:42Well, he's so great about hitting the ball the other way, he gets those arms extended,
00:02:47so right there, just trying to straighten him up a little bit so he doesn't have as
00:02:51much outside plate coverage.
00:02:57Close one.
00:02:58Doesn't get the call, and it's 3-0.
00:03:07The pitch, and he walked it.
00:03:15Four pitches.
00:03:16That's an easy walk, man.
00:03:17He could have walked me right there, Boog.
00:03:19The last one wasn't even close.
00:03:21Ralph Kiner, the next pirate to hit.
00:03:24Kind of a throwback.
00:03:25No batting gloves.
00:03:30First pitch, not close.
00:03:32Good speed on the base pass.
00:03:33He handles the bat very well.
00:03:36I wouldn't be surprised if the skipper puts on some type of hit-and-run or run-and-hit.
00:03:41Dean throws the first, and he just got his hand in there.
00:04:01The 1-0.
00:04:03That one is upstairs.
00:04:04Chris, with that distraction and the speedy guy at first, he's in a favorable hitter's
00:04:09count.
00:04:10If nothing else, I mean, this is a great spot for a hitter to be in.
00:04:15Next offering is in for a strike.
00:04:17Cold night tonight, Boog, and that's a pretty firm fastball right there.
00:04:21Tell you what, memories of getting jammed, they're creeping into my mind right now.
00:04:40Foul's one away, and now 3-2.
00:04:46Good zip on that fastball at the bottom of the zone.
00:04:48If he's there all day, it's going to be a tough one for the hitters.
00:05:00That to right, usual under this one.
00:05:04He makes the grab, and there's two down.
00:05:21Willie Stargell now at the plate.
00:05:24Stargell having a lot more success on the road this season.
00:05:43If you're trying to come up with the ideal clubhouse presence and team leader, Willie
00:05:48Stargell pops probably the best you could possibly do.
00:06:03That misses the zone, and that's ball two.
00:06:10Off a first with two away.
00:06:35Next offering misses, and that's ball three.
00:06:38When you talk about Stargell's leadership, I don't think there's ever been a more close-knit
00:06:43team than that Pirate Squad of the late 70s, and he was the heart of that team.
00:06:48Remember that team's theme song, Sister Sledge, We Are Family?
00:06:53Foul's one away, and now 3-2.
00:07:08Pujols collects, gets it to first, and that is that.
00:07:15So one left for Pittsburgh.
00:07:16Now the Cardinals will see what they can do.
00:07:19There's no score.
00:07:20It's Major League Baseball on the show.
00:07:25We go to the bottom of the first.
00:07:27Our starting pitcher in this one, number 28.
00:07:30Well, you know this guy wants to be better than that.
00:07:33I mean, the ERA is bloated.
00:07:35He understands that he's got to put his team in a better position to win ballgames, and
00:07:40at this point, you have to forget about your own individual stats, and you have to go out
00:07:44there and attack and try to get that W, and if you do that, you'll look up, and most likely
00:07:49that ERA will have dropped over time.
00:07:52Bottom of the first.
00:07:53Here's a speed threat, Lubrock, and he lays down a bunt, and foul ball.
00:08:02McCutchen brought home the title for the Pirates in 1979, and it was more than just
00:08:06his leadership.
00:08:07Listen, in 79, he won the National League MVP, the NLCS MVP, and the World Series MVP.
00:08:14That's a huge season and one for the ages.
00:08:17That one misses one and one, and he deals.
00:08:28Into the air, center field, McCutchen gets under it, calls it in for the out.
00:08:38Here's a Cardinals lineup now.
00:08:58Number three, the next to hit.
00:09:00He's not the power guy, but he can hurt you to all parts of the ballpark.
00:09:18One down, base is empty.
00:09:23In for a strike, and a count one and one.
00:09:39The other way, and a base hit, so they get a man aboard with a one-out single, and here's
00:09:50the veteran outfielder, Stan Musial.
00:09:56Here comes the pitch.
00:09:57There goes the runner from first, swing and a miss, and that's a stolen base, not even
00:10:02close.
00:10:03Well, a nice lead and a nice steal there to get in the scoring position with the heart
00:10:07of the order at the plate.
00:10:09That might just lead them to pitching around these hitters a little more because of the
00:10:12open base, but it's early in this ballgame, can't imagine it'll change the attack plan
00:10:16too much.
00:10:18Bites and fires.
00:10:20Late swing, fouled to the left.
00:10:32The pitch, got him, and there's two away.
00:10:37Most guys are very aggressive when they see the stakes out there on the base paths and
00:10:42can't understand why he wasn't ready to swing the bat.
00:10:44You've got to be ready to swing the bat in a situation like that with the go-ahead run
00:10:49in scoring position.
00:10:50Albert Pujols next up for the Cardinals, and first offering is fouled off.
00:11:09Runner at second, two down.
00:11:26Here's the 0-2.
00:11:29That one fouled off.
00:11:43Next offering upstairs.
00:11:45Good purpose pitch right there, trying to tease him, get him to raise his sights, pop
00:11:49something up, and make it an easy out.
00:11:52First offering in the dirt, and the count's even at two.
00:11:59Swing and a miss, and that is that.
00:12:02I think the key is arm action on the changeup.
00:12:05When you can sell it like a fastball, you drop the velocity, you get the swing and miss,
00:12:10and you walk off the field.
00:12:21And welcome back.
00:12:22Top of the second, at the plate for Pittsburgh, Roberto Clemente.
00:12:27He's kind of an outlier, especially when guys are consciously sacrificing contact to deliver
00:12:33power.
00:12:36First pitch doesn't find the zone.
00:12:38Yeah, his swing is so good, it's in the zone a long time.
00:12:41He gets the barrel to it a lot, and that produces more base hits.
00:12:46The next offering misses, and now 2-0.
00:12:49Time to check in our umpires.
00:12:51Earl Hendricks calling balls and strikes.
00:12:53Yeah, well-liked umpire Boog, pretty consistent with his zone, so if you're familiar with
00:12:58him and how he works, you won't get too surprised by anything.
00:13:01Sometimes he'll give a little bit off the corner, but nothing too crazy at all.
00:13:06And it is 2-1.
00:13:15The ball left side, gathers, and throws to first.
00:13:21That takes care of Clemente.
00:13:29Dave Parker will hit next.
00:13:32Obviously a guy who makes good contact, hits for average, but one of the things in today's
00:13:37game, the value in the fact that he hits both righties and lefties.
00:13:44The first pitch misses for ball one.
00:13:46They're so reliant on the matchups nowadays, Chris, and it's huge when you don't have to
00:13:50sit a guy or platoon him.
00:13:52When you can hit both sides in terms of pitcher's arms, you're a guy that it's hard to take
00:13:57out of the lineup, and I think it's very important today when everything is under the microscope.
00:14:05So a foul ball makes it one and two.
00:14:19And down on strikes he goes.
00:14:22Two down.
00:14:27Andrew McCutcheon getting ready to hit, good contact guy, good defender.
00:14:32McCutcheon.
00:14:33In there for strike one.
00:14:48The wind of the pitch.
00:14:54I understand you want to try to gauge that guy's fastball, but you also have to be aggressive
00:14:59and ready to hit in your zone.
00:15:00Now you're in a tough spot.
00:15:03Going two now.
00:15:08And now one and two.
00:15:10That's a really good job of laying off the 0-2 high fastball is going to make that pitcher
00:15:14really have to respect this hitter, even though he's behind in the count.
00:15:23Right hander kicks deals.
00:15:28This one in the air, center field, grabs it on the run, and that's the third out.
00:15:36Bucks go down quietly, we'll go to the bottom of the second, no score.
00:15:50Joe Medwick digs in now.
00:15:53Medwick having a really nice first season in the big leagues, definitely a rookie of
00:15:57the year candidate.
00:16:07And the pitch.
00:16:12That's in for a strike.
00:16:23Bottom of the zone and a called strike.
00:16:25He may have not liked either of those first two pitches or agreed with the umpire's calls,
00:16:30but at this point he's going to have to bear down and be ready to hit anything close to
00:16:34the zone.
00:16:37Next pitch way upstairs.
00:16:44And here it comes.
00:16:49Liner, base hit, and a board on the leadoff single.
00:16:56Well that certainly feels good when you can win the at bat after being down in the count
00:17:00up against it with two strikes right there.
00:17:02I'm amazed at his ability to pull his hands inside and actually square that baseball off.
00:17:07That pitch was off the plate.
00:17:09So tough to get the barrel to anything in there.
00:17:11And now they've got some speed on first, so we'll see if they try to get him into motion.
00:17:15Number 11 stands in now and lets that one go for a strike.
00:17:29The next pitch misses, ball one.
00:17:50With two strikes, may see some movement over there at first base, try to stay out of a
00:17:55double play here.
00:18:01One two now.
00:18:03Stays alive.
00:18:09Medwick gets his lead at first with nobody out.
00:18:15Medwick on the runner and he's back standing.
00:18:29Next pitch in the dirt, two and two.
00:18:37Left hand hitter waits and a foul ball.
00:18:45No score here in the second.
00:18:53And a foul ball, he stays alive.
00:18:55Well he's having a tough time getting a pitch by him.
00:18:57As a hitter you feel pretty confident that you're seeing different pitches still able
00:19:01to make some type of contact.
00:19:07Bounce to the left side.
00:19:09Off balance feed.
00:19:10There's one.
00:19:11On to first.
00:19:12Ow, double play.
00:19:14He's got it there in time.
00:19:21And now the rookie second baseman, number 19, singing you can't ask for anything more.
00:19:27This guy checks all the boxes offensively.
00:19:29He is the ultimate professional and it doesn't just start at game time, it starts in the
00:19:34afternoon the way he prepares and gets ready for the ball game.
00:19:37I tell you what, his teammates feed off of the leadership that he shows on and off the
00:19:41field.
00:19:45Next one misses and the count even one and one.
00:19:49Nothing nothing here in the bottom of the second.
00:19:57Next pitch misses, two balls and a strike.
00:20:08On the ground to the left.
00:20:11Go over to Starchill and that is that.
00:20:14We played two full, we're tied, nothing nothing.
00:20:21Jason Kendall now at the plate.
00:20:24Kendall hitting better against right handers this year.
00:20:27So some reverse splits there.
00:20:3819 back to work.
00:20:43And that one fouled off.
00:21:02Side drive and he pulls up on it and that's a hit.
00:21:10He's been swinging it really well lately.
00:21:12That's a good sound coming off the bat, man.
00:21:14And as he connected out front and lifted into the outfield, that's one of those swings where
00:21:18you just don't even feel the ball hit the barrel.
00:21:21That's a pure stroke.
00:21:24Up next for the Pirates, Tommy Leach.
00:21:33That one's in there, oh and one.
00:21:48Checks the runner.
00:21:49Kendall dives back in safely.
00:22:02Next pitch is downstairs.
00:22:17That's inside.
00:22:24Top of the third, no score.
00:22:32And now it's even up.
00:22:34Knowing that the pitcher wants a ground ball double play opportunity here, you've got to
00:22:39lay off pitches down in the zone.
00:22:41Right there, swinging at that pitch, that's a no-no.
00:22:48Swing and a miss and he got him.
00:22:50And one out now.
00:22:51Tell you what, those are the types of guys pitchers really like to punch out when they're
00:22:54on the mound because if they get on, just the distraction that they create with all
00:22:59that speed over on the base pass, it can take away your focus from the next hitter and that's
00:23:05the last thing you want to do is serve up a pitch that a guy hits over the fence and
00:23:09it's a multi-run home run.
00:23:12And now Hannes Wagner, he's got the power but great contact skills, one of the best
00:23:17contact hitters in the game.
00:23:34Got the belt and fires.
00:23:36And downstairs.
00:23:47And strike two.
00:23:48I mean, that's perfect location right on the black.
00:23:51Over and over again, this guy demonstrates the ability to hit those spots.
00:23:55They're so tough to do anything with as a hitter.
00:24:05Meanwhile this pitch gets away and the runner stays where he is.
00:24:18Righty to the plate.
00:24:22So here we go.
00:24:23Base runner at first, could be running on the pitch.
00:24:26He's got good enough speed to steal the bag to get in scoring position even if it's a
00:24:29swing and miss at the plate.
00:24:34So now three and two.
00:24:36Here's the pitch.
00:24:37Runner on the goal.
00:24:39Next offering is fouled back.
00:24:50Three-two now.
00:24:51On the ground a second, might be two.
00:24:54Good feed.
00:24:56And it's a double plate and the inning.
00:24:58We head down to the home half of inning number three.
00:25:01We're tied, nothing, nothing.
00:25:13Bottom of the inning and now the Cardinals catcher, Yadier Molina.
00:25:17Chris, baseball today, so many strikeouts and they are available to pitchers, but this
00:25:22is a guy that puts the bat on the ball and is kind of different from the players that
00:25:27we see day in, day out.
00:25:30The right-hander back to work.
00:25:34That one ripped and it drops in, but a good job to keep it in front.
00:25:46So up next, number eight.
00:26:09Good pitch and he just misses.
00:26:22Kicks and deals.
00:26:24He swings and fouls one off.
00:26:36And the pitch.
00:26:38It's down and in.
00:26:47Next pitch is outside.
00:27:01And the right-hander deals.
00:27:04Fouls one away and now three and two.
00:27:11Nobody out.
00:27:12Runner at first.
00:27:17The three-two is off the outside edge and that is ball four.
00:27:22Looking for a swing and miss right there or for the ump to help him out and make the call
00:27:25with that last pitch, but neither happened.
00:27:28Close pitch, but a good take to earn that wall.
00:27:31So the batting order turns over and now here's a speed threat, outfielder Lubrock.
00:27:39In there and it's 0-1.
00:27:41Big at bat right here with an opportunity to do damage, but on the flip side, ground
00:27:46ball, double play, strikeout, that could get the inning back under control on the mound.
00:27:52Number four, the lead runner out at second.
00:27:54Number eight at first with no outs.
00:27:58Ball off left side.
00:28:10The pitch stays alive.
00:28:25And the pitch.
00:28:27Now one miss.
00:28:34One and two here.
00:28:37Maybe a two ball, five.
00:28:39Has some trouble with it.
00:28:40Goes to second.
00:28:41Safe there.
00:28:42Man, I was expecting five, four, three, double play off the bat, but I think he just tried
00:28:47to be a little too quick there, especially when you think it's a pretty routine ball
00:28:51to handle.
00:28:52It's really easy to think ahead to the transfer and the throw before you actually bring it
00:28:56into your glove.
00:29:00And now number three.
00:29:02First offering misses the mark.
00:29:12Bases juiced, no outs.
00:29:19Next offering upstairs.
00:29:21Pressure's on right here.
00:29:222-0 count, bases loaded.
00:29:24You don't want to fall to a three ball count and then walk in or on.
00:29:27He's got to challenge the hitter right here.
00:29:37The 2-0 is in for a strike.
00:29:39You need a strikeout and you need a ball perhaps on the ground for a double play or get yourself
00:29:44a pop up or something, but you've got to make some pitches.
00:29:47But if he can battle and get through this, he can earn some points.
00:30:00On the ground, right side.
00:30:02But it's 1-0 as the run scores.
00:30:05They'll expect a back and forth this entire game because of how good the offenses are.
00:30:13And up next for St. Louis, Stan Musial struck out looking at his first at bat.
00:30:20He's so good about trying to drive the ball to the opposite field gap in these situations.
00:30:24If he takes that approach, he could bust this game wide open.
00:30:29First pitch doesn't find the zone.
00:30:35The righty deals and a foul ball.
00:30:52And that one hammered, that's back.
00:30:55Pulls it in on the warning track.
00:31:00Both runners tagging.
00:31:01Throw home, not in time.
00:31:02The run scores.
00:31:03And they lead by two.
00:31:07So many times that one gets out of here and into the seats, but he'll take the sack fly
00:31:11RBI.
00:31:12Good job to get that run in from third.
00:31:15So now it's the four hole hitter, Albert Pujols.
00:31:19And this is a big opportunity for him to pick up his teammate right here.
00:31:29First pitch and that's in for a strike.
00:31:30Well, I know they've gotten out to an early lead, but you don't want to take these opportunities
00:31:34for granted with two outs, still lock in with a quality at bat.
00:31:38Drive in that run.
00:31:39You may not have another guy in scoring position the rest of this ball game.
00:31:53The 0-2.
00:31:55And that one upstairs.
00:31:56You see how the catcher wanted that pitch up and in, wanted to try to tie him up.
00:32:01That's the one thing we're seeing.
00:32:02That high fastball.
00:32:03You have to get it up there because of how hitters have changed their swings.
00:32:06Two outs.
00:32:07Try to get him to chase on the change up that time.
00:32:11Recognize that change up right out of the hand.
00:32:13Just spit on it.
00:32:19Here comes a pitch and a foul ball.
00:32:22He stays alive.
00:32:28Here at third, two away.
00:32:34Right side.
00:32:35Clemente has this one sized up and that is that.
00:32:44Three innings complete.
00:32:45It's the Cardinals two and the Pirates nothing.
00:32:57Back here in St. Louis as we go to the top of the fourth and the batter will be the shortstop.
00:33:02Arkee Vaughn.
00:33:03Arkee Vaughn.
00:33:04The wind and the pitch.
00:33:12And a pop up.
00:33:13Right side.
00:33:14Foul territory.
00:33:15And that will drop foul.
00:33:24The pitch.
00:33:28Strike two.
00:33:29It's good speed at the top of the order here.
00:33:31You want to get it on.
00:33:32See if you can get a stolen base.
00:33:34Maybe get around the bases and pick up a run.
00:33:44The pitch.
00:33:49And he chases that one.
00:33:51And one away.
00:33:52Gosh.
00:33:53He just hit it.
00:33:54Three pitch strikeout.
00:33:55All fastballs.
00:33:56Man, he's got a lot of confidence in that pitch right now.
00:34:07So next to the plate for Pittsburgh, Ralph Kiner.
00:34:15In there for strike one.
00:34:29The wind and the pitch.
00:34:32Swing and a miss.
00:34:35Hey, doubled up on the off speed there.
00:34:38We talk about the power of fastball, but he's working a little differently here.
00:34:43That hits the dirt.
00:34:44One and two to count.
00:34:53And that one missing low.
00:34:55Well, he might have to look for a different put away pitch right here, too, too.
00:34:58He's already seen the curveball a couple of times in this at bat, so might have it timed
00:35:02up and ready for it.
00:35:09Now this is in the air down the line.
00:35:11As usual, moving back for this one.
00:35:13Makes a nice running catch.
00:35:16Two away now.
00:35:21Willie Stargell, the next pirate to hit.
00:35:24Grounded out his first time up.
00:35:26He's not going to get cheated up there.
00:35:28No, he's not.
00:35:29He's looking to do damage with every swing he takes.
00:35:38That one's in there.
00:35:390 and 1.
00:35:40If you're not ready for that pitch, you're just going to swing and miss, or pop it up,
00:35:43waste the at bat.
00:35:44If you're going to let it go, you better be ready to swing it.
00:35:52The 0-1 is outside, and it's a ball and a strike.
00:35:55You want to be patient here.
00:35:56Try to work a walk if you can.
00:35:58You've got a big power bat behind you in the on deck circle, and with two outs, one swing
00:36:03can put you right back in this ball game.
00:36:06First offering is in for a strike, but why the kick the pitch?
00:36:16Cut on and miss.
00:36:17Struck him out, and good work there as he gets a 1-2-3.
00:36:22Nothing doing here for Pittsburgh.
00:36:23They trail things here to nothing.
00:36:36Ready to go.
00:36:37Bottom four.
00:36:38Now up for St. Louis, Joe Medwick.
00:36:39More St. Louis.
00:36:40No left field here.
00:36:41Joe Medwick.
00:36:42This one popped up, and there's one down.
00:36:54That was a good, hard fastball with some nice ride up in the zone right there.
00:36:59Hitter looked like he was on it, but I think that velocity at the end just beat him.
00:37:03Instead of a line drive or something hit deep, it's a pop up and an easy out for the defense.
00:37:10So digging in, number 11.
00:37:19And that's in there for strike one.
00:37:21Pretty good job of the mound in this one, Siggy.
00:37:23It feels like we've seen a lot of off-balance swings.
00:37:27Yeah, just one free pass, and obviously he's not a big strikeout guy, but he gets soft
00:37:32contact and he gets outs.
00:37:36In the center, McCutchen, moving under this one, hauls it in, and there's two away.
00:38:00Nevada, number 19.
00:38:04Standing in is the power hitting second baseman, number 19.
00:38:08This guy makes great contact, one of the best in the game at putting bat on ball.
00:38:13He's got such quick hands, and he's gaining pitch recognition.
00:38:17That keeps him square to the plate, and there's a good chance that his bat stays in the zone
00:38:20a long time, and that produces solid contact consistently.
00:38:31The 0-1.
00:38:36Fought off foul.
00:38:49And a swing and a miss, and that's that.
00:38:521-2-3, go the Cardinals.
00:38:56They're up 2-0.
00:39:12Back here at Busch Stadium, top five, John Jamby with Chris Singleton, and leading it
00:39:17off, Roberto Clemente.
00:39:33The line and the pitch.
00:39:38Ball won there.
00:39:39There's so much Clemente can do at the plate and in the field.
00:39:58Next offering misses, and it's 2-0.
00:40:08And another ball.
00:40:09About the only thing Clemente didn't have was elite speed, but the other four tools
00:40:14were as strong as anyone's in the game.
00:40:19Let's see if he gives them anything to hit here.
00:40:23And that's ball four.
00:40:26That could be a tone setter for the inning.
00:40:28Four straight pitches, and the leadoff batter's on base.
00:40:31We'll see if the next guy waits until there's a called strike before he takes the bat off
00:40:34his shoulder.
00:40:36And now the D.H.
00:40:37Dave Parker.
00:40:44Clemente on the goal, and first offering is fouled off.
00:40:58Righty delivers, and there's the strike.
00:41:02Roberto's number one tool had to be his rocket arm.
00:41:05The bat's not far behind, though.
00:41:07Tremendous opposite field power.
00:41:15On a line base hit.
00:41:21Lead runner holds up.
00:41:22They're at first and second with nobody out.
00:41:25Always feels amazing getting a job done when the team needs you to come through.
00:41:29It's just bigger than your own individual stats.
00:41:32I think he made his pitch on the mound.
00:41:33Two-strike count made him chase way outside the zone, but just couldn't get him to miss.
00:41:38And somehow he found a way to put it in play for the knock.
00:41:41Stepping in, Andrew McCutcheon.
00:41:52First and second here, no outs.
00:42:02Back swing, appeal to first, and yes he did.
00:42:05He went around.
00:42:13The one-to-one.
00:42:14Foul ball.
00:42:29That one kicks away from the catcher.
00:42:42Clemente on third, Parker at second with nobody out.
00:42:51That one hit to right.
00:42:53Musial puts it away, and there's one away.
00:42:57Yeah, that was a wasted RBI opportunity, but competitor like him, he is looking forward
00:43:03to making up for it in his next at-bat.
00:43:06Two on, one out, and here's the catcher, Jason Kendall.
00:43:27And he deals.
00:43:29There's the strike.
00:43:44Kicks and fires.
00:43:45Oh, and now a wild pitch, but no advance from the runners.
00:43:56The one-to-one.
00:43:58In the air, left field, down the line, brings it in, runner tags for home, throw cut off
00:44:06out of the plate, but it's offline, and they trail by one.
00:44:11There you go, nice little RBI there, it's a graded bat, got the job done.
00:44:15The third baseman, number seven, Tommy Leach.
00:44:200-2 down now, and here is Tommy Leach.
00:44:33In there, and it's 0-1.
00:44:34He's pitching well, but not throwing a ton of first pitch strikes usually doesn't work
00:44:39out for success, but you can never predict baseball.
00:44:43And he's down 0-2 as he swings through it.
00:44:46Well, he knows they don't want to give him anything to hit, but when you've got opportunities
00:44:50to drive in runs, you've got to expand the zone.
00:44:53He's capable of going out there and doing damage with it.
00:44:57Runner leads away at second, going to count one and two.
00:45:12Two outs, and one in scoring position.
00:45:20And down on strikes, good job at damage control right there.
00:45:24So one run on one hit, no errors, and a runner left.
00:45:28Home half of the fifth coming up, it's the Cardinals two and the Pirates one.
00:45:38Welcome back, ready to go for the last half of the inning.
00:45:41And stepping in for the Cardinals, Yadier Molina.
00:45:44This guy, one of the best defensive catchers going.
00:45:47You talk about framing, the ability to block, catch and throw, he is at the top of the game.
00:45:55And here it comes.
00:46:00Missed through there for a strike.
00:46:12And that one pulled foul.
00:46:27Out in front and foul to the left side.
00:46:43Out to center.
00:46:47McCutchen puts the squeeze on that one.
00:46:50One up, one down.
00:46:52Now batting, number eight.
00:46:57So up next, number eight.
00:46:59Singh, you talk about a guy that has all the skills.
00:47:03The range is really good, but the arm just stands out and he makes all the plays.
00:47:14Pitch misses inside, ball one.
00:47:17And because of that big power arm, he's able to play a little bit deeper, make throws from
00:47:21the outfield grass all the way across the diamond, and still get a pretty good runner.
00:47:26That's impressive.
00:47:27Pulls it down and there's two gone.
00:47:35The batter, the center fielder, Lou.
00:47:40And here's the St. Louis leadoff man, Lou Brock.
00:47:54In the air, left field, Kiner.
00:47:56He ranges to his right and he makes the catch.
00:48:00And that'll do it.
00:48:02Redbirds down quietly, but they still lead it two to one.
00:48:16And welcome back.
00:48:17Top six.
00:48:18And now the Pirates leadoff man, Hannes Wagner.
00:48:21This is a guy you got to keep an eye on when he digs in.
00:48:24Definitely been known to drop a drag bunt from time to time, and he's pretty good at
00:48:29it, Chris.
00:48:30Yeah, and he creates a sense of urgency for the defense because of the speed, because
00:48:34of the ability to put down that bunt.
00:48:37Can't get there, should be extra bases.
00:48:40And the tying runs at second base with a double.
00:48:49Now it's the shortstop, Arkee Vaughn.
00:48:52A strikeout and a walk.
00:48:58And the first pitch misses for ball one.
00:49:16Liner to second and picked on the hop.
00:49:19Tosses to first, now one gone in the top of the sixth.
00:49:26Now batting, left fielder, Ralph Kiner.
00:49:34Here's some real power at the plate, Ralph Kiner.
00:49:37Listen, there's absolutely no reason to pitch to this guy right here.
00:49:40You nibble, you see if he'll expand his zone, but don't give him anything to hit.
00:49:45If you walk him, not a big deal.
00:49:47You have a double play opportunity set up.
00:49:50First offering, misses the mark.
00:49:51You know, Boog, if you're that base runner at second base, you want to be quiet out there.
00:49:55Not bouncing around, not distracting your teammate, the hitter.
00:50:00Make sure that he can clearly focus on that pitcher and that release point.
00:50:05He hasn't wanted to challenge him both of those pitches off the plate away.
00:50:08Don't expect anything down the heart of the plate.
00:50:10You may just have to be patient and take your walk here.
00:50:22Runner at second here, one gone.
00:50:31Two-one pitch is in there and the count is even.
00:50:34Hitter's got some good opposite field power.
00:50:37What I like about something being hit to the right side into the outfield is that the
00:50:41base runner at second has a very good read and can determine, oh, now this ball's going
00:50:46to get through and that's base hit.
00:50:49Tying run is in to score from second.
00:50:51It's two-two.
00:50:55Just found a way to slap that ball down the third baseline.
00:50:57That's really excellent back control and it kind of goes back to all those drills you
00:51:01see hitters do off the tee where it's placed in different spots.
00:51:04That was just nice.
00:51:07Willie Stargell, the next pirate to hit.
00:51:16First pitch and that's in for a strike.
00:51:19No balls, one strike.
00:51:35Just missed.
00:51:50Ball to strike and that's outside.
00:51:54Kiner, the base runner at first with one out.
00:52:05Puts it in the air out towards left center.
00:52:10Hauls it in for the out.
00:52:18The right fielder, number 21, Roberto Clemente.
00:52:28At the plate for Pittsburgh, Roberto Clemente.
00:52:32He's a guy, Chris, whose highlights include some of the best throws from the outfield
00:52:36that you will ever see.
00:52:38Definitely one of the best arms of the sport.
00:52:45First pitch doesn't find the zone.
00:52:47Yeah, the infielders and the catcher can never give up on a play because if this guy thinks
00:52:51he has a chance, he's going to throw it from the warning track if he has to.
00:52:57Lifted in the air right center field.
00:53:02And that is that.
00:53:05But they pick up one run on the RBI single, 2-2 game.
00:53:23Back here at the ballpark, bottom of the sixth inning.
00:53:26Here's the Cardinal DH, number three.
00:53:33And a pitch.
00:53:39And there's the strike.
00:53:41Chris, we were excited to watch him pitch.
00:53:43This is a little more along the lines of what we were expecting performance-wise.
00:53:47Yeah, Boo, great pitchers like this, you may get one opportunity in one inning to get to them,
00:53:53to get some runs up on the board.
00:53:55And if you don't take it then, you may see zeroes the rest of the ballgame.
00:53:59Swing and a ground ball out to short.
00:54:02Tosses across to first.
00:54:04And that's one out as they get the leadoff hitter in the sixth.
00:54:08Now batting, right fielder, Stan Musial.
00:54:17And up next for St. Louis, Stan Musial.
00:54:21This guy has turned into a beast.
00:54:25Well struck right field.
00:54:29And off the base of the wall.
00:54:32Throw and it gets away.
00:54:34And he'll pull into second safely.
00:54:43One out, runner at second.
00:54:46And now here is Albert Pujols.
00:54:49Gotta be careful with this guy, he's got power.
00:54:52He can untie it with one swing.
00:54:55Look out here, he's gonna come up ready to swing in this situation.
00:55:04And the first pitch misses for ball one.
00:55:07Bullpen action for the Pirates.
00:55:09Garrett Cole, loosening up in case he's called upon by Derek Shelton.
00:55:13Law, warming up as well.
00:55:16One out and a runner at second.
00:55:22And a big swing and a miss.
00:55:29Moved to second and he's back in there.
00:55:40The next offering misses.
00:55:42And a count two and one.
00:55:52Right hander kicks deals.
00:55:55There's a strike.
00:55:57Pretty rare location right there, right down the middle.
00:56:00This guy paints the edges.
00:56:02Not sure if you're gonna see that pitch again as a hitter.
00:56:22Kicks and deals.
00:56:24Now a high fly ball out to left center.
00:56:27Kiner on the move to the gap.
00:56:29Tracks it down for the out.
00:56:31Runner tags at second.
00:56:33And he's up to third safely with two gone.
00:56:41Joe Medwick will hit next.
00:56:44Singie, you gotta appreciate a guy who's this good defensively.
00:56:47I mean, watching him track balls in the outfield, it is beautiful.
00:56:55And he swings and misses and it's nothing and one.
00:57:04Knocks it down.
00:57:08That leaves him without a throw and a run is in to score.
00:57:12Well, there you go.
00:57:13The RBI machine.
00:57:15Another clutch run scoring it back.
00:57:18Yeah, he's been so good in these situations.
00:57:21Call it clutch if you want, but his resume speaks for itself.
00:57:25Runner at first with two away.
00:57:27Number 11 the next to hit.
00:57:30Number 11.
00:57:32In there for strike one.
00:57:46Inside just missed.
00:57:50Medwick, the runner at first with two gone.
00:58:15Swing and a miss struck him out, so he's gotten deep into this game.
00:58:37And at least so far, not showing a ton of signs of fatigue.
00:58:41So they pick up a run on two hits.
00:58:43No errors and a man left.
00:58:45We're through six full.
00:58:46It's the Cardinals three and the Pirates two.
00:58:51Back here in St.
00:58:52Louis.
00:58:53Now it's the D.H.
00:58:54Dave Parker.
00:58:56The designated hitter, Dave Parker.
00:59:06Dean back to work.
00:59:11Had a good eye there.
00:59:12Movement in the bullpen for the Cardinals.
00:59:14Number 38, the rookie right-hander is getting loose.
00:59:17Number 44 getting loose as well.
00:59:29Next pitch is outside.
00:59:32Two and 0.
00:59:40And it goes just foul.
00:59:50The pitch.
00:59:54And that's him for a strike.
00:59:56Well, I'm impressed with that challenge pitch right there.
00:59:59Even with this slim lead, this guy's not afraid to go right after these
01:00:02hitters.
01:00:04Got him.
01:00:05And they get the leadoff hitter in the seventh.
01:00:09A big first out here in the seventh via the punchout.
01:00:12Yeah, it just does so much to change the outlook of an important inning
01:00:15like this.
01:00:16I mean, you got the leadoff hitter so critical in setting the table when
01:00:19you've got a tight game like this.
01:00:21So a strikeout really puts them on their heels.
01:00:30McCutchen at the plate for the third time as he comes up empty there.
01:00:49Now this one is smoked down the left field line.
01:00:52On its way if it's fair.
01:00:54Out of here.
01:01:00That was a moonshot.
01:01:02His 13th home run of the season, and we are starting over.
01:01:06It's 3-3.
01:01:20What an incredible momentum swing on that home run, Boog.
01:01:23I mean, it's late in the game.
01:01:25Just barely stayed fair.
01:01:27And ties up the ball game.
01:01:28Impressive.
01:01:30Manager out of the dugout now, and it looks like we'll see a change on the mound.
01:01:34Dizzy Dean won't go any further tonight.
01:01:37And it's a tie ball game as he heads for the dugout.
01:01:40Back with a new arm after a quick break.
01:01:49Number 16 comes on now.
01:01:5125th appearance of the year for him.
01:01:54Number 16.
01:01:58Since she was down my spine.
01:02:00Gave me some mine.
01:02:02Yeah, girl, it's like all night.
01:02:05So one out, nobody on.
01:02:07Jason Kendall, the next pirate to hit.
01:02:09Now batting.
01:02:10Catcher.
01:02:11Jason.
01:02:13Swung on.
01:02:14Belted.
01:02:15That one's back.
01:02:17Pulls it in on the warning track.
01:02:20That's just a really nice catch on the run right there.
01:02:23He saved extra bases for sure.
01:02:25The pitcher's his friend.
01:02:26He'll give him a second to catch his breath before he's ready to deal the next pitch.
01:02:30Two outs, bases empty.
01:02:32Tommy Leach, the next pirate to hit.
01:02:40First offering, and it just misses.
01:02:50And he takes a strike.
01:02:51Trying to keep good speed off the bases.
01:02:56Popped up.
01:03:02Number 19 moving under it.
01:03:04He's got it.
01:03:05That is the inning.
01:03:07But Pittsburgh gets even on the solo homer.
01:03:11We're tied now with three apiece.
01:03:26Bottom of the seventh.
01:03:27Now here is number 19.
01:03:30He's a big, strong guy.
01:03:31Can untie this game with one swing.
01:03:43The pitch.
01:03:48And there's a ball.
01:03:50And there's a ball.
01:04:05And a pitch.
01:04:10And that's outside.
01:04:16Righty to the plate.
01:04:20This to third.
01:04:22Base hit.
01:04:23That was smoke through the infield.
01:04:25Solo runner aboard to start the inning.
01:04:29Well, patience and discipline paid off right there as he got into an advantage count.
01:04:33That pretty much split the zone down the middle, and those are the ones where you've got to make them pay.
01:04:38Now a huge at-bat in this game coming up.
01:04:40And the Pirates manager making his way to the mound now as he will make the move.
01:04:45Number 28 is done.
01:04:47And as he heads for the dugout, we'll take a quick break.
01:04:50New arm on the mound when we get back.
01:04:58Now on the bump, Garrett Cole.
01:05:00He last pitched four days ago, so he should feel pretty fresh.
01:05:15Yadier Molina.
01:05:16Next up for the Cardinals, one for two.
01:05:24First offering misses the mark.
01:05:26If you're a base runner, you've got to stay dialed in here.
01:05:28Look for anything in the dirt.
01:05:30Try your best to get in the scoring position.
01:05:34The go-ahead run aboard at first.
01:05:36Nobody out.
01:05:42Next pitch is outside.
01:05:44Home plate umpires trying to tighten things up a little bit.
01:05:502-0.
01:05:54This is a really good feeling for a hitter.
01:05:56At this point in the ballgame, you know that they don't want to walk you,
01:05:59so you're going to get a pitch to hit.
01:06:01You just better not miss it.
01:06:07Here's a 3-0.
01:06:09And that one is in for a strike.
01:06:11Wow, that's 89 on the gun, and it's a changeup.
01:06:15It's like good hitting if you're looking for it,
01:06:17but because of the speed differential between the fastball and that pitch,
01:06:21really hard for a hitter to get on time with it.
01:06:23Squeezes it, and there's one down.
01:06:31Now that's number eight.
01:06:35So digging in, number eight.
01:06:37Definitely wants to stay out of the double play here.
01:06:39Ball on the ground in the infield.
01:06:41Should be an inning-ending double play.
01:06:47And that's in there for strike one.
01:06:49Now this is just par for the course these days.
01:06:52Huge fastballs coming out of the bullpen.
01:06:55One away, tie game.
01:06:58Go-ahead run stands at first.
01:07:04Next offering is in for a strike.
01:07:06Don't play situation here.
01:07:08He's been working up in the zone.
01:07:10Typically, you look for guys to get that ground ball,
01:07:12see if he adjusts on this next pitch.
01:07:220-2 now.
01:07:39And the 1-2 misses to even the count.
01:07:41Great job of laying off those pitches down in the zone
01:07:44to even the count up at 2-2.
01:07:46Such a better feeling for the hitter.
01:07:49At the belt and fires.
01:07:51That one the other way.
01:07:54To the shortstop at second,
01:07:56but it pulls him off the base.
01:08:00Now batting, center fielder,
01:08:02Lou Gruff.
01:08:06Back to the leadoff spot in the St. Louis lineup.
01:08:09Here's the center fielder, Lou Gruff,
01:08:11for the fourth time tonight.
01:08:13If you don't get ahead in the count,
01:08:15you can forget about having any success against him.
01:08:21And he swings and misses at the initial offering.
01:08:31Right-handed reliever.
01:08:34On the ground, out to short.
01:08:36Into the outfield, base hit!
01:08:38Throw comes in quickly,
01:08:40holds that go-ahead run at third,
01:08:42and there's still one away.
01:08:44Just a huge at-bat right there.
01:08:46Just a simple ground ball the other way.
01:08:48They had eyes on it, man.
01:08:49Sometimes that's all you need to do.
01:08:51Just let the ball travel, put the ball in play,
01:08:53and just hope it finds a hole.
01:08:55Number three.
01:08:56Next up for the Cardinals.
01:08:59Tapped softly on the ground,
01:09:01and it gets by him!
01:09:03Oh, behind the back!
01:09:11I promise you, they're guys that get a little bit faster
01:09:13when they can smell an RBI.
01:09:15That was a possible inning-ending double play.
01:09:17Great hustle, and he gets rewarded
01:09:19with the RBI because of it.
01:09:29Now up for St. Louis.
01:09:31Stam-usual.
01:09:37Pulls out one foul.
01:09:40Looking for some insurance.
01:09:42Or as our friends down in the South would say,
01:09:44insurance.
01:09:46No matter how you say it, we know what you mean.
01:09:53And it's in!
01:09:56And it's in!
01:10:01And now the 0-1.
01:10:04Cole, he's kind of a prototypical bullpen arm
01:10:07in today's game.
01:10:09Electric stuff, that results in a ton of strikeouts.
01:10:12In a tough spot like this, that is a big-time benefit.
01:10:18Here's a 1-1.
01:10:21Base hit, and a run comes in.
01:10:26Picks himself up an RBI.
01:10:28Solid swing from start to end.
01:10:30On time with everything.
01:10:32Really good balance. Nice extension.
01:10:34And he met it out front for the line drive knock.
01:10:41So here's the cleanup hitter, Albert Pujols.
01:10:45The third baseman, number 5, Albert Pujols.
01:10:51In the dirt, but kept close.
01:10:53In the dirt, but kept close.
01:10:55Throw, save!
01:10:57And both runners move up on the wild pitch.
01:11:06As a hitter, when a guy like this comes into the game,
01:11:09you feel like he's standing on top of you.
01:11:11And it's just attack mode coming right at you.
01:11:14So it's second and third occupied.
01:11:16They go for the intentional walk.
01:11:18Base is now loaded.
01:11:20And there's a force at every base.
01:11:22How big a deal is that walk?
01:11:24I don't think it's a big deal because
01:11:26if you pitch to the previous hitter
01:11:28with the power he has,
01:11:30he can hit a home run.
01:11:31I think it was a calculated walk.
01:11:33We'll see how it pays off here.
01:11:36In number 35, Albert Pujols.
01:11:38If you like it like that,
01:11:40you'll lose lives, not that good.
01:11:42See the shields, not that good.
01:11:46Joe Medwick stands in but two away
01:11:49as he takes a ball.
01:11:59And the pitch.
01:12:01Swing and a miss.
01:12:02That's strike one.
01:12:05Number three.
01:12:06The runner at third.
01:12:07Number six.
01:12:08Over at second.
01:12:09Number five.
01:12:10At first, two out of the inning.
01:12:13Next offering is in for a strike.
01:12:15He's been able to go inside as well as outside,
01:12:18effectively working both sides of the plate
01:12:20in this at-bat.
01:12:21The one-two.
01:12:24Left field.
01:12:25Kiner going back, racing back some more.
01:12:28Makes the grab and that'll end the inning.
01:12:32Eighth inning coming up.
01:12:34It's the Cardinals five and the Pirates three.
01:12:46Back here at Busch Stadium.
01:12:48We go to the eighth,
01:12:49and now the Pirates leadoff man,
01:12:51Hannes Wagner.
01:12:52We talk about guys with good speed,
01:12:54and definitely he has it.
01:12:56But pushing the offense aside
01:12:58for just a second, Chris,
01:13:00it's the defensive side that I think
01:13:02the speed factors in the most.
01:13:04Meanwhile, activity in the bullpen.
01:13:07Bruce Suter up and throwing.
01:13:15And the right-hander deals.
01:13:19Out towards left center.
01:13:22Medwick drifts towards it.
01:13:25And it's caught for the out.
01:13:27And it's caught for the out.
01:13:37Number 38 on the pitch out of the pannier.
01:13:40He's into the game, but the base is empty.
01:13:53And here is Arkee.
01:13:55He's turned into one of the best short stops in the game.
01:14:04First pitch, and he just misses.
01:14:13Just off the inside edge.
01:14:22Next pitch is inside.
01:14:24And it's 3-0.
01:14:25So definitely a little wild right out of the gate.
01:14:28Well, it can be a little tough coming from the bullpen mound
01:14:30to this mound, but you've got to find a way
01:14:32to get ahead in the count quickly.
01:14:33He hasn't.
01:14:34We'll see how this at-bat turns out.
01:14:36And it's ball four.
01:14:38He missed down low.
01:14:39Well, he tried to nibble right there
01:14:41and just missed his spot.
01:14:43Hitter didn't offer at it.
01:14:44Now he has somebody to worry about over at first.
01:14:47Up next for the Pirates, Ralph Kiner.
01:14:55First pitch doesn't find the zone.
01:14:57After five straight balls to start this inning,
01:14:59hitter might have the green light,
01:15:01but it's going to be one pitch in one location
01:15:03if he's going to swing.
01:15:14And a 1-0.
01:15:182-0.
01:15:19Kiner's first pitch.
01:15:22No, no.
01:15:232-0 count to a guy with this much pop at the dish.
01:15:26You better expect him to be turning on something.
01:15:29It's going to either get hit hard to the bullseye
01:15:31or the fans better look out in the stands.
01:15:37Dives, but it kicks off his glove.
01:15:41A flip to the pitcher covering.
01:15:43Pitcher gets to the bag for the out.
01:15:48Now that is the first baseman
01:15:51Willie Stargell.
01:15:57So now it's the four-hole hitter, Willie Stargell.
01:16:00See, he's got a history of coming through in the big spots.
01:16:03I know I like to talk about I'm not sure whether clutch actually exists,
01:16:07but you look at the numbers,
01:16:09and this guy always seems to deliver in those spots.
01:16:13First pitch just misses.
01:16:15Well, I think it's the ability to assess the situation,
01:16:19understanding what the pitcher has,
01:16:20what he's trying to get people out on,
01:16:22and then being able to use the entire field.
01:16:24Man on second, two down.
01:16:26Off the mark there.
01:16:28Ball two.
01:16:29If you're a guy that can only hit to one field,
01:16:31then you're really not going to be able to come through in clutch situations
01:16:34because pitchers are going to adjust.
01:16:36But because he's able to use the entire field,
01:16:38that's why he's so successful in these situations.
01:16:50Left-hand batter waits.
01:16:53A little bit low.
01:17:10The tying run at the plate.
01:17:13And there's ball four.
01:17:16Walks out of the bullpen, can absolutely kill your momentum.
01:17:19Very quickly there in some hot water trying to protect his lead.
01:17:23So next to the plate for Pittsburgh, Roberto Clemente.
01:17:27This guy is one of the best athletes in the sport.
01:17:30So RBI spot, but Chris,
01:17:32this is a guy that is not really swinging the bat all that well here.
01:17:36In this situation, you have a real good opportunity to get swings and misses
01:17:39and report a strikeout.
01:17:41I think you attack him in this spot.
01:17:46That one's in there all in one.
01:17:49Yeah, I'm surprised we didn't see a visit from the pitching coach here.
01:17:52Just to remind him, focus on the hitter.
01:17:54Don't worry about anything else.
01:17:56First and second, two down.
01:18:06And a foul ball.
01:18:09A little early on that fastball.
01:18:11I'm sure the pitcher taking a note.
01:18:13Look for an off-speed pitch on this next one.
01:18:22Field two.
01:18:24Swing and a high fly ball down the right field line.
01:18:28Usual. Pulls it down.
01:18:30Pirates strand a couple.
01:18:32They're still down 5-3.
01:18:44Welcome back. Bottom of the eighth.
01:18:46And here's the first baseman, number 11.
01:18:50The first baseman, number 11.
01:18:53The right-hander back to work.
01:18:58And first offering is fouled off.
01:19:06A wind in the pitch.
01:19:10And that one fouled off.
01:19:19And a pitch.
01:19:23One and two.
01:19:36Fly drive. Makes the catch.
01:19:39And there's one gone.
01:19:42Now that it. Number 19.
01:19:46Here's the second baseman, number 19.
01:20:00In there and it's all in one.
01:20:06The pitch.
01:20:09Swing and a miss.
01:20:11And it's all in one.
01:20:14Miss. And it's all in two.
01:20:16I guess you throw it that hard, you can get away with locations like that.
01:20:19Right down the middle. But I still think it's a dangerous pitch.
01:20:22Don't want to do it again.
01:20:24Clemente settles under. Makes the grab.
01:20:27And there's two down.
01:20:35Now Molina at the plate.
01:20:38He is at the top of the game in terms of defense at the catching spot.
01:20:45It's so impressive because these guys have to do so much study and preparation
01:20:50for their pitchers, for opposing hitters.
01:20:53And really their number one job is to guide that staff through a ball game.
01:20:58And so when you also.
01:21:00Well we'll hold that thought as that's the third out and we'll end the inning.
01:21:04And down in order go the Cardinals.
01:21:07And it remains 5-3.
01:21:14There's some time and you've got much more to go.
01:21:20Bruce Suter on the pitch here.
01:21:22Trying to protect this lead.
01:21:25Number 42.
01:21:29So now here's the D.H. Dave Parker.
01:21:39The line to kick the pitch.
01:21:42And first off frame is fouled off.
01:21:44Suter, he's known as a reliever that excels in really tough situations.
01:21:49Those high leverage spots.
01:21:51It seems like he's at his best in these situations.
01:21:54And obviously the ability to get the strikeout factors in.
01:21:58And the righty deals.
01:22:01And ball one.
01:22:02Yeah there's certain guys that expect to come in and dominate.
01:22:06And they see the challenge, the battle just a little bit differently.
01:22:10They trust their stuff.
01:22:11And they believe that their stuff is better than that guy standing in the batter's box.
01:22:15What his swing, what his ability is.
01:22:24On the ground.
01:22:25And it's through for a hit.
01:22:27Off to a good start with a leadoff dot.
01:22:32Throwback in holds him at first.
01:22:34So just a single.
01:22:37Up next to the Pirates.
01:22:39The center fielder.
01:22:40Andrew McCutcheon.
01:22:48And first off frame is fouled off.
01:22:51The mental approach is a big factor too isn't it?
01:22:54Yeah Boog it is.
01:22:55And you know for each guy it can be a little different.
01:22:57Some people consciously work on focusing, slowing things down, breathing techniques.
01:23:02And then there's some players that are just natural.
01:23:05And they just seem to be more composed and less excitable.
01:23:09The next pitch misses.
01:23:10And now it's even one and one.
01:23:13Parker gets his lead at first.
01:23:15Nobody out.
01:23:21Next pitch misses.
01:23:22And a count two and one.
01:23:24A lot of times with relievers they just like to get amped up.
01:23:27But they're not really looking to try and slow it down right?
01:23:30They're just trying to get hyper.
01:23:31Yeah and perhaps make that hitter a little hyper.
01:23:35And make him more aggressive.
01:23:36And that way when they put a wrinkle, change speeds, he's out in front just a little bit.
01:23:43Here comes the pitch.
01:23:58Fouled off again.
01:23:59And it remains three and two.
01:24:07Swings through that one.
01:24:08It's a strikeout.
01:24:09And there's one down.
01:24:10Now it can be so tough as a hitter to pull yourself out of an extended slump.
01:24:15One that lasts for several games, even a week or more.
01:24:18Now right now he's really in one.
01:24:20So I'm sure his mind is all over the place.
01:24:22Racing, having a hard time sleeping.
01:24:24Trying to figure out what can get him back on track.
01:24:27Back to feeling more comfortable and settled in in the box.
01:24:30Here's the Pirates catcher now, Jason Kendall.
01:24:33It's interesting, he plays kind of a power spot defensively.
01:24:38But runs pretty well.
01:24:40So when you're looking at that position, you're not expecting someone that has maybe above average speed.
01:24:45But he does.
01:24:50Gets under it and pops it up.
01:24:52Dives.
01:24:53What a catch.
01:24:55Gets under it and pops it up.
01:24:58Dives.
01:24:59What a play.
01:25:12Tommy Leach, the next Pirate to hit.
01:25:15It's amazing.
01:25:16We get a chance to talk to a lot of opposing managers.
01:25:19This guy scares managers on the other team as much as anyone.
01:25:24And he gets to fly beneath the radar with the other more recognizable names in this lineup.
01:25:29And the first pitch misses for ball one.
01:25:32And just hacking like he used to.
01:25:34Yeah, kind of the same, just like that, yeah.
01:25:36Suter checks over to first and he's back.
01:25:39At least you got the pitcher thinking a little bit.
01:25:41You don't want to run yourself out of the ball game.
01:25:44You get thrown out or picked off, it's over.
01:25:50The 1-0.
01:25:52And that's down and away.
01:25:53And I think that skill set really upgrades the position because when you have that kind of speed, it makes the whole team that much better.
01:26:03Swing and a miss.
01:26:04And it's 2-1 now.
01:26:13The pitch.
01:26:15And fouled off.
01:26:201-0.
01:26:28Ty Grun at the plate.
01:26:30Stays alive.
01:26:432-2.
01:26:45And a swing and a miss.
01:26:46And that is the ball game.
01:26:49Well, they win the opener at home.
01:26:50First game of the three-game series.
01:26:52And there's just such a good feeling when you're in your own ballpark.
01:26:56You're sleeping in your own bed.
01:26:57You're eating your clubhouse manager's food.
01:27:00Everything's right in your world.
01:27:01And they played like it today.
01:27:03The 5-3 final score in this one.
01:27:06For Chris Singleton and our entire outstanding crew here at MLB The Show, I'm John Shomby saying so long.