The Pirates have played second fiddle to the Cardinals and Reds for several years. We've watched the Reds bully the lowly Pirates and we've watched the Pirates roll over and take it. Those days, however, seem to be behind us. The Pirates aren't going to take it anymore.
In consecutive seasons, the Reds have been throwing at Pirates star Andrew McCutchen. McCutchen was drilled in the back by Cincinnati pitcher Mike Leake again Monday night. After Aroldis Chapman almost decapitated Neil Walker with a 99 MPH fastball, the Pirates were just waiting for their opportunity to send a message back to the schoolyard bully.
Last night, Charlie Morton drilled Shin-Soo Choo in his Choo-Soo Shin on the first pitch of the ballgame. Reds starting pitcher Mat Latos was obviously displeased as he yelled at Morton from the dugout.
Yelling from the dugout was all the Reds did to "stand up for themselves" as the Pirates put an exclamation point on the victory by shutting out the Reds.
The Pirates appear to have an identity for the first time in a long time. Veteran leaders like AJ Burnett and Russell Martin have a lot to do with the tough guy mentality this team possesses. That same leadership will be a significant reason this club will continue to win ballgames and refuse to be bullied.
Expect this team to still be in contention in September. Regardless, the final 2 games of this series will be fun to watch.
No comments:
Post a Comment