Walking the Plank: Weekly Review: June 10-16: Braves and Marlins

Atlanta Braves Series Record: 0-4

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Miami Marlins Series Record: 2-1

Pirates Record and Standings: 32-39, 4th Place NL Central, .5 Games ahead of the Reds

Trivia Question of the Week: What Pirate pitcher has appeared in the most games this year? Answer is at the bottom of the article. 

 The Pirates could not have went into Miami to play the Marlins at a better time after getting swept against the Braves in Atlanta. It is disappointing that the Pirates did not have a sweep for themselves against the Marlins due to some poor defense on Saturday. But that Atlanta series... we will talk more about that in a bit. Here are my 3 big takeaways from this week's games:

1. Atlanta Woes Continue

There is no better way to sum up this series than the "ouch" gif above. From the 1992 NLCS walk off single that sent Atlanta to another world series to the infamous Jerry Meals call at home plate against the Pirates in 2011, Atlanta has not been too kind to the Pirates, and this series was no different. From Musgrove being thrown out of the game for "hitting" (and I stress, "hitting"), Josh Donaldson, terrible strike calls on Josh Bell, and the pitching giving up 6 or more runs in all four games, this was a series to forget. I petition the Pirates no longer play in Atlanta! We all need a moment with this guy after that series...

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2. Friday Night Historic Game

The Pirates 11-0 white wash win on Friday night was their biggest white wash win on the road since they did the same thing to the Cardinals on Sept 3, 2007. Pretty cool stat! The team needed this kind of game and it was nice to let the offense get the praise that they have been deserving in their red hot month. Kudos to Colin Moran with 5 RBIs and Bryan Reynolds going 4-5!!

3. Chris Archer Stinks

Nothing else needs to be said here. Actually, I have a lot more to say in just a little bit.. 

Position Player of the Week (Last week: Colin Moran): Starling Marte. Marte has been hot at the plate and that hot streak continued this week with 3 HRs in the series against the Braves. Not only is his bat hot, but he has been playing great defense, as seen by his amazing throw to the plate for an out on Saturday evening. Here's to more Marte-Partays! Honorable Mention: Bryan Reynolds and Kevin Newman

Pitcher of the Week (Last Week: Joe Musgrove): Steven Brault. Who would have thought a month ago that Brault would be the first pitcher to get Pitcher of the Week honors for a second time before anybody else? Brault gave another impressive start Friday night in Miami, pitching 6 scoreless innings. Here's to hoping Brault has turned the corner in his career!

Moment of the Week (Last Week: Josh Bell's 3 Double Game): Moran 5 RBIs on Friday night. Moran has been an amazing surprise so far this season and you wonder how he was not starting on Opening Day. He has been hot for weeks now and having 5 RBIs along with his 10th HR on the season gives him the moment of the week!! (and there sadly were not many good ones to pick from). 

Who Walks the Plank (Last Week: The Front Office): Chris Archer. Many players and coaches can go here, but when you give up 5 HRs and 7 ER, you are walking the plank in the middle of the ocean surrounded by sharks. And then you give up 4 ER to the Marlins in 5 innings.. Enjoy your swim, Mr. Archer! 

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Trivia Answer: Richard Rodriguez! As of Sunday afternoon, Rich Rod has appeared in 33 games, which is the most of any pitcher; not Liriano, Crick, or Vazquez, but RICH ROD has pitched the most. That is all I have to say about that, before I go on a rant (although he has been a little better recently). 

Upcoming Games: Home: 2 Games Series vs. Detroit Tigers and 3 Game Series vs. Padres. Yay for off days!! 

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Record Prediction (Last Week: 3-4- dang, two weeks in a row being dead on correct):  Two days off in one week could not have come at a better time for the struggling Buccos. The off days, along with Williams and Lyles hopefully coming off the IL, will do the Pirates good as they will sweep the Tigers and take 2 out of 3 against the Padres to finish 4-1 on the week. 

Thanks for reading and let me know what you think in the comments below. Try to stay positive Pirate fans and Lets Go Bucs!!

-Aaron, TGYK