Pirates-Rockies: Series Review/Awards

Another series is in the books, and as has been the case most of the time this season, it was a successful 3-game set for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Although the Pirates were not able to complete a 3-game sweep of the Colorado Rockies on Sunday, losing 5-0, Pittsburgh was still able to take a respectable 2 out of 3 games, moving it's season record to an impressive 79-50. Although the Cardinals are still 4.5 games ahead in the NL Central race, all the Pirates can do is play competitive baseball, and the club is showing no signs of slowing down.

Every series has it's ups and downs, and this one was no different. I will sum up the series hi-lows in my ''series awards'', which is my way of reveling what I think the biggest hits and misses were of this 3 game set.

Series MVP: Gregory Polanco

It's hard as a non-pitcher to be named Most Valuable Player of a 3 game set based solely on 1 game, but Polanco did just that with a fantastic performance on Friday night. Polanco was 3 for 5 at the plate, scored twice and had an RBI, but his star shined the brightest in the field. where he contributed 2 outfield assists, which can be seen here. http://m.mlb.com/video/v423927383/colpit-polancos-throw-tops-92-mph-as-he-nabs-reyes/?game_pk=415563
http://m.mlb.com/video/v422091683/colpit-polanco-cuts-down-hundley-with-great-throw/?game_pk=415563
Polanco dazzled more than anybody else on the field, and for this dazzling performance, he is my series MVP.

Bum of the Series: Charlie Morton
In a series where the Bucs only lost one game, I have to choose the biggest dud of that game as my bum of the series. Although Morton's stat line of 3 earned runs, 6 hits, 2 walks allowed and 6 strikeouts over 6 innings of work does not look awful, the other 2 runs that the Rockies scored while Morton was on the mound were Morton's fault. With 2 outs, runners on 1st and 2nd and Dustin Garneau at the plate for Colorado, Morton first fielded a ball that he should have let go past him, which would have allowed either Jordy Mercer or Josh Harrison to make a play, and then threw wildly past first baseman Mike Morse, allowing both runners to score, making it 5-0 Rockies and putting the game out of reach. Morton's season has been hit or miss, and today was a miss for the Bucco hurler.

Play of the Series: Polanco nails Reyes at home
I have the link for the video of this play above, so I do not feel I need to explain how great this throw was or the significance it had on the Pirates eventual 5-3 win on Friday night,

The Pirates will now travel to Milwaukee to face the dreadful Brewers in a 3-game set starting Tuesday night. Gerrit Cole will be on the bump for the Bucs, taking on Jeff Nelson. First pitch is at 8:10.