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Saturday, July 26, 2003

By Robert Dvorchak, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

Pirates vs. Cardinals, 2:10 p.m., Busch Stadium, St. Louis. No TV. Radio: KDKA-AM (1020) and the Pirates Radio Network. RHP Josh Fogg (6-4) is scheduled to start for the Pirates; RHP Woody Williams (13-3) for the Cardinals.

With newly acquired reliever Brandon Lyon on the disabled list with an elbow injury, the Pirates were thin in the bullpen last night. In addition to Lyon's absence, Brian Boehringer and Mike Lincoln were not available because of their workload earlier this week. That left Julian Tavarez, Brian Meadows and Joe Beimel in the bullpen. Tavarez was purposely not used Thursday against the Reds. "We had to have somebody fresh," Pirates Manager Lloyd McClendon said. Meadows had been used as a starter at Class AAA Nashville and could pitch long relief. "Meadows is in good shape. He can give us four, five innings, six if he had to. If something went crazy out there, he would be OK. We'll be all right," McClendon said. The shortage will be eased today when Duaner Sanchez reports from Nashville. Sanchez was 3-3 with a 2.93 ERA in 37 appearances for Nashville. He was with the Pirates earlier this season but did not get into a game after being demoted for reporting late to a game against the Expos.

SS Jack Wilson did not start last night because of a strained left groin and likely will miss the game today. Wilson was injured Thursday in Cincinnati while playing in the field. In his place, Abraham Nunez made his sixth start at shortstop. In an emergency, 3B Jose Hernandez could play shortstop.

C Jason Kendall did not receive word from the commissioner's office last night concerning his suspension, meaning he will be eligible to play today and tomorrow because the league office is not open for business on the weekend. The decision on the appeal will be announced Monday. "I just want to get it over with," Kendall said. "It's to the point now where it's dragging on." Kendall was suspended for three games for his part in a June 14 brawl with the Devil Rays. He appealed to get it reduced.

A Kip Wells bobblehead giveaway has been added to the promotion schedule. The dolls will be given out Sept. 20. Originally, it was to be a Mike Williams bobblehead day, as voted by the fans, but Williams was traded Sunday to the Phillies.

The starting time of the Aug. 2 game against the Rockies has been moved up to 6:35 p.m. to accommodate a fireworks show. The fireworks will come after the game as part of the Regatta.

NASHVILLE (61-43) won, 6-5, at Oklahoma. Ryan Vogelsong (10-6) allowed three runs and five hits in six innings. Mark Corey got his 28th save. DH John Barnes had two hits, including a double, and drove in two runs. 1B Rob Mackowiak had two hits, including a triple, and an RBI.

ALTOONA (59-43) lost, 1-0, vs. New Haven. John VanBenschoten (5-1) lost for the first time in 27 starts dating to July 7, 2002. VanBenschoten allowed two doubles in the second inning for the lone run. He gave up seven hits with four strikeouts and no walks. Anastacio Martinez worked a scoreless inning in relief. LF Josh Bonifay had two of Curve's seven hits.

LYNCHBURG (52-44) had the day off.

HICKORY (63-38) lost, 2-0, vs. Rome. Patrick O'Brien (1-4) allowed one earned run and five hits in seven innings. C Jose Hernandez had two of the team's five hits.

WILLIAMSPORT (24-11) split a doubleheader at Mahoning Valley, winning, 5-4, and losing, 8-1. In the first game, Paul Maholm, the Pirates' No. 1 draft pick in 2003, made his professional debut. He pitched three innings and allowed two runs and three hits while striking out three. 1B Mike Madrid singled, doubled and homered and drove in three runs. In the second game, Leo Nunez (4-3) didn't get an out and gave up four runs and four hits. 3B Craig Stansberry had the lone RBI.

BRADENTON (19-13) won, 8-6, against the Tigers. Joel Ortega (3-0) won with two innings of relief. Luis Munoz pitched five innings, allowing four earned runs and six hits in six innings. SS Joshua Fulton homered, doubled and drove in two runs. C J.R. House had a double and drove in a run.