It is one thing for thePirates to get mowed down by some of the National League's finest pitchers, as has happened in the early going against Chris Carpenter, Aaron Harang and Yovani Gallardo. 

--SS Jack Wilson took light fielding practice for the first time since being placed on the disabled list last Saturday with a strained ligament in his left middle finger. 

The Pirates had a rough week, losing two regulars in the span of five days as C Ryan Doumit suffered a broken right wrist and SS Jack Wilson also went on the disabled list with a sprained left middle finger. 

It is impossible to win a game by a 0-0 score regardless no matter how strong the pitching. 

The Pittsburgh Pirates' pitching staff has been among baseball's biggest early surprises, posting the majors' best ERA as the calendar turns from April to May. 

Nate McLouth's return to the lineup wasn't enough for thePirates to reverse their offensive woes. 

To hear thePirates tell it, the foundation of pitching coach Joe Kerrigan's philosophy can be tidily summarized in two words: Strike one. 

THEPhillies and Rays shared the World Series spotlight last autumn. 

The Pirates had a rough week, losing two regulars in the span of five days as C Ryan Doumit suffered a broken right wrist and SS Jack Wilson also went on the disabled list with a sprained left middle finger. 

The kid gloves are off the Pirates' young pitchers when it comes to pitch counts. 

--3B Andy LaRoche has turned his season around since a dreadful start. 

MILWAUKEE -- When someone pointed out to Andy LaRoche on Wednesday that two Milwaukee Brewers still didn't have a hit this year, thePirates' third baseman chuckled. 

? Milwaukee Brewers All-Star outfielder Ryan Braun, who publicly griped about being plunked byPirates pitcher Jeff Karstens in the series opener, didn't fare well againstPirates starter Ian Snell on Wednesday.