Don't Call It a Comeback

The Bucs started off their series with the O's looking like the ship was starting to take on some serious water. But like many of us have observed the past couple of weeks, you should never count these Bucs out. Notice how I always say "these Bucs" and not THE Bucs? That's because this 2011 team and 2011 season has been an anomaly, the exception more than the rule. The Lightning In A Bottle we all speak of rather frequently.

As JMG pointed out in his recap yesterday, the Bucs were able to pull out another W thanks to some major help from the O's. After falling behind, the Bucs final 2 runs were of the unearned variety, handing over a 5-4 W and improving the record to 37-37 on the season. Trailing 4-3 in the bottom of the 5th, Brandon Wood and Fort McKenry both singled to start off the inning. KC bunted to put runners on 2nd and 3rd and Tabata struck out for the second out. Ole Harrison came up next and hit a very routine ground ball to 2nd, however Blake Davis was making his first MLB start and pulled a Buckner, yielding the tying and go ahead runs.  KC gave up 4 ER over 6IP to earn him his team leading 9th win of the season. Cutch had another great day at the plate, going 2 for 4 with an RBI and the Pride of PR knocked in his 50th RBI of the season, 7th in the NL.The Hammer worked a perfect 9th, moving to 20 for 20 in Saves this season. Final Score Bucs 5, O's 4.

Player of the Game: Cutch, 2 for 4 with an RBI

Head Scratcher of the Game: I was at work and didn't see it, so that is a tough one.

Face Palm of the Game: For Oriole's fans, it had to be the 2-run error that gave the Bucs the game. How many games this season have the Bucs won on the other team's mishaps?

Overall, a win is a win is a win. No matter how you get it, it counts the same in the W/L column. But you have to wonder if/when the karmic tables are going to turn. The Bucs have been playing above their potential for about a month now and have created an illusion of a competitive team by getting a TON of breaks. The BoSox come to town next and the way they've swung the bats all season, it will be a true gauge of where this Bucs team really stands. At least one person has told me on multiple occasions to "Give this team a chance", and "they are playing great" and such after wins. When I point out that "we got that win because the other team made errors" he says "Oh, I didn't see the game, just the score" . I think that a lot of people who watch this 2011 team know that they certainly play harder and for the most part smarter than in the past, but that their 9 lives always look like they're about to run out. Maybe I am wrong and if so I will be the first to admit it.

Jake Taylor also gets a major thumbs up in my book for benching Suckdeno after the bases loaded bunt. Hurdle  even said "I have never seen a bases loaded but in my entire career". Stick with managing the Bucs a little while longer and you will see A LOT of  similar things you've never seen in your entire career.