Bombs Bursting In Air

With apologies to Francis Scott Key, but how appropriate to use his words after the dramatic home run struck by Mike "Fort" McKenry last night? I have sat through a lot of dreadful and meaningless games over the past 18 years at Three Rivers Stadium and PNC Park, and I have often stated that I'd absolutely love to see the Pirates play a meaningful game at PNC in September some year.

Well, it's not September yet, but they played a VERY meaningful game in July last night and what a treat. The Pirates trailed, were tied, led, and then trailed again, only to win it with a three run blast in the bottom of the eighth from the most unlikely of offensive heroes. That was great, great stuff that made a game that lasted 3 hours and 45 minutes seem to pass in the blink of an eye.

And is there anything cooler in Pittsburgh sports right now that watching Joel Hanrahan come in from the bullpen to put the hammer down for the Bucs in the ninth? He is amazing, and for those of you have not been at PNC Park to see this phenomenon, here is what plays on the scoreboard as Hanrahan enters the game:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AnVBz80VaM

Being in the crowd walking over the Clemente Bridge after that game was fabulous. A real playoff atmosphere. I'm not sure how the rest of this Pirates season will progress, but so far, it has been an absolute blast!!