The past two times we have seen our hero, Ian Snell, take the mound we have born witness to quite a puzzling display. I do not speak of the four homeruns Ian has surrendered in those starts, rather, the oddity has been the pitching performance of his opponent that day. Consider: the past two pitchers that Snell has faced, Kip Wells and Kyle Lohse, came into their matchups with Snell boasting a combined 2-14 record with both pitchers having an ERA over 5.00. So easy pickins right? You would think, but for some odd reason both pitchers decided that their date with Snell would be the perfect time to throw their best game of the season. Wells went 7 inninings and gave up 1 earned run, while Lohse threw his first shutout in three years. Snell meanwhile, had a combined 4.84 ERA over those two starts. He did however, have a very solid 1.15 WHIP over that same span, but fell victim to four homers.
Our hero has faced two consecutive setbacks, and fear has begun to seep into the minds of the people. If Ian Snell, paragon of might and valor, is unable to vanquish even the lowliest of foes, what has become of the world? This is not even to mention the disturbing developments elsewhere in the NL Central, where the Brewers continue their evil reign atop baseball's most mediocre collection of teams. So is there hope? Can Ian rise above, transcend the bad luck of his recent starts, and fufill his destiny? His destiny, to dare I say lead the rise of the Pirates in the standings to challenge the manifestation of darkness also known as the Milwaukee Brewers?
Of course there is hope.
This is Ian Snell people, the baddest man you know.
How many other pitchers do you know that are so good that they had an action figure made of them...in the minors.
Please.
Snell faces off today against the Dodgers and pitcher Hong-Chih Kuo. Kuo only has two appearances this season, both poor and both in relief, so knock on wood he won't give the Pirates too much trouble. Snell has already faced the Dodgers once this season, going 7 inninings and giving up 2 earned in a no decision. Combine these factors with the fact that the Pirates are at home, and it would seem that Snell has everything going for him going into tomorrow's game. The same could be said however, of his past two starts and we all know far too well how those turned out. Not to fear my faithful reader, Ian will find his way to victory this day. Because that my friend, is what a hero would do.
The Conquering Hero, Season to Date:
W-L: 4-4ERA: 3.14
WHIP: 1.20
QS%: .73
K/9: 7.28
