Bucs Lose: Rocky Mountain Low

Box Score

John Denver sucks. For all the enthusiasm and excitement that has been the start to this season, it was certainly nice of the Pirates to remind us that they still have a long way to go before they can truly be considered a contender. Now I will admit, while I was happy that the Pirates had a 4-2 record coming into this game, my expectations were tempered.

I don't expect them to contend for the World Series, or even the division, hell, I don't even think they will get to .500 this year. But winning the home opener would have been nice. At the very least, they should have kept it close. This loss stings a little bit, though it served as a nice reminder that this team will be overachieving if this is the year they finally post a winning season.

Maholm was awful. It has to be said. At times, I thought I was watching Duke on the mound, until I reminded myself he was no longer with the team. As a guy that has never won more than 10 games in a season, and has only once posted an ERA under 4 in a full MLB season, I can't help but think this will be Paul's last year with the team. Granted, his ERA is 2.19 right now, but he certainly looked shaky at times yesterday, so one wonders how long it will last.

Big ups to Esmil Rogers, he dominated the Pirate hitters. The offense never really got anything going, and the score reflected that. Tulowitzki was good for the Rockies offensively, going 2 for 3 with a homer, 3 RBIs and a run. The Rockies were simply better, and turned the game into a stinker of a home opener for the Pirates.

Game 2 of the series is tonight at 7:05, as Ohlendorf takes the mound against De La Rosa. Could be another rough game for the Buccos, but here's to hoping they can pull this out out.

Preview later today.