So maybe it was “just” the Pirates but Niese looked good as ever mowing down the Bucs allowing 1R, 5H, 2BB, 5K in 7.2 IP. 

The kid is only 3-2 with a 4.29 ERA so you can sing his praises too loud but I think he’s right where he needs to be on track to becoming a legit front end starter. Everyone wants the next Fernando, Gooden or Strassberg who dominates the moment he arrives in the bigs but most guys develop over a couple of seasons which is exactly what is happening to Niese.

Duda has really been quiet dontcha think? It’s sorta not fair to say since he’s been driving in runs but we really haven’t seen the power we’re all expecting. I can’t remember the last time the guy launched one. It may be too much to ask for semi-regular  multi-homer games but can we please see that power again? 

I wonder if he cut down on his swing to address the awful avg he had in April but doing so has robbed him of power. That’s mere speculation but it would definitely make sense

Ike was 1-4 which is good news… I guess. He missed a pickoff throw in the 8th which is further troubling considering we don’t want him taking his hitting issues into the field. 

Good news: the slim hitting Padres are in town to play 4 - we should win 3.