If you're a Pirates Fan you got to be happy with

your hitting prospects. Last night Randy Ruiz and Neal Walker were on display and tonight Steve Pearce in his first Double A start hits a home run and a double. Pearce leads all minor league baseball in dingers with now 12 HRs--11 in Lynchburg and now one with the Curve. Walker followed Pearce's homer with one of his own as the Curve jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second on their way to a 5-4 victory over the Defenders.
Connecticut starter Ben Cox took the loss going 5 inning and giving up 4 runs all earned along with 6Ks and two walks. Brook McNiven and Gino Espineli pitched well in relief holding the Curve to a unearned but decisive run over the last four innings. Mark Minicozzi's throwing error turn out to be big later as the Defs rally fell a run short.

John Bowker had another good game leading off going 2 for 5 with a double and two RBIs. Jake Wald, RBI groundout and Steve Holm with a double down the line in a three run Connecticut 7th inning had the other Defs RBIs.

The Defs wasted a bases loaded no outs situation in the 5th but a Jake Wald grounded into a pitcher to catcher to first DP and PH Carlos Sosa stuck out to end the inning. Again the bats were quiet tonight as the Defs managed only 5 hits.

Misc fan notes: About 100 or so Coast Guard cadets in the crowd of 500 or so. Always great to have them or sailors for the sub base on hand. They're always loud, funny, polite and just great to be around and they keep the food stands busy. I hope the front office finds a way to get them up more often.

A late shout out to ticket manager Andy Pappas. I asked Andy Sunday about why the bottom half of the scoreboard hasn't been working all season. He went into the office to find out and reported back that the orginal computer from 1995 died and a replacement was being sought. Thanks for the info Andy. I should have asked about the pitch speed board as well.

After opening the Fry Shack last night for the first time in a year it was closed today.