The Pirates pitching staff who had only given up three home runs in the season’s first 24 games, was touched up for three solo home runs as the Pirates lost to the Fairfax Nationals 4-2. Chris Yates pitched a rock solid five innings making only one mistake, a ball that hung over a bit too much of the plate which was smacked for a home run (about 230′ less than picture), but otherwise was in total control, throwing strikeouts and groundouts leaving the game tied 1-1 after five. Reed Bromley played excellent defense at second filling in for midfielders at college orientation, converting a double play, making a fine running catch in foul territory in shallow right field, and snagging a sharp grounder while in a 4/0 defense, checking the runner back at third and throwing the batter out. Bromley opened up the Pirates scoring with an RBI single. George Piccirilli singled and was driven home by a double by Matt Snyder as the game was tight all throughout. Tim McCormick kept the Pirates in the game through the later innings by making a trio of sparkling plays. McCormick faked a runner out by properly coming in on a fly that he couldn’t catch, but giving the appearance of a play, keeping the runner from going from second to home and leaving him stranded at third. Tim also made an excellent long running catch of a fly ball in foul territory, coming up gunning a throw to third, holding the runner at second, saving a run when the next batter grounded to second which would have scored the runner from third. And finally, McCormick gleefully (since it was his high school coach who was waving the runner home) threw a rocket home on a single to right nailing the runner from second. Overall a well played game that didn’t go the Pirates way, but certainly nothing to be upset about, this was a very talented opponent. The next game is a haul. The team is meeting this Saturday at PVI at 8:30am to carpool. The trip is at least 75 miles away, with today’s gas prices, easily a $25 savings – so get there on time. The doubleheader games are noon and 3:00pm – pack a lunch. This just in from the Carney Pirates sportswire, AL wins 4 hour 50 minute 15 inning All Star marathon 4-3.