Steel City Summary: July 2, 2011

Eric Fryer gets his first ML hit, Game 2 of Pirates twin bill @ Nationals

The day in sports, Steel City style:

-  The Washington Nationals 4-game series should have been a chance for the Pirates to make up some ground in the NL Central.  With the Brewers, Reds and Cardinals all still playing Interleague games against quality opponents, the Bucs came back to NL ball this weekend.  On Friday night, RP Tim Wood came in to protect a 2-2 tied game in the 9th and promptly handed the Nats a win by getting handled by Matt Stairs, who once played in a game for a team owned by Connie Mack.  The Pirates came back strong in the day end of their Doubleheader today, and had a chance to jump a game in the standings if they could sweep the day.  It didn't happen - this time Tony Watson played the role of Jose Mesa - and the Bucs go for the split Sunday.

- The loss of SS Ronny Cedeno for the next week may not seem like a big blow, but for a team that is already playing with AAA players at 3rd and both Catcher slots, losing your starting SS is a big deal.  A home series with the woeful Houston Astros is up next, and PNC Park fans will be seeing alot of Brandon Wood and Josh Harrison this week, which is not a good thing for a team in the thick of a division race.

- The Pens are better off without Jaromir Jagr, whether fans want to admit it or not.  Chemistry is big in hockey, as the Boston Bruins showed this year.  A healthy Sid and Geno will make Pens fans forget all about Mario Jr. - at least until the Flyers come to town.

- The loss of Max Talbot to those same Flyers IS a big deal.  Talbot became something of a cult hero here in Pittsburgh, not to mention a media favorite and team spokesman.  Any team but Philly, and its just another signing.  Talbot in Halloween colors is nauseating.

- The Pittsburgh Power lost to the Orlando Predators 62-54, officially dropping out of 1st Place in the AFL East.

- Congrats to the USA Womans World Cup team for their awesome shutout win 3-0 over Columbia.  Next up for the team is Sweden on Wednesday.  This team is playing with heart and desire right now, and hopefully they get their moment in the sun this summer.

- Tomorrow, the Bucs vs. Nationals in the finale in Washington. 

Thats it folks, see you tomorrow!