NLWC Recap: Pirates advance for first time since 1992

The Pirates last NLDS appearance was in 1992. With a win yesterday, the Pirates would be able to secure their first appearance in 21 years. The fans showed the 21 years of heartbreak in them, with loud chants, flying flags, and the largest attendance in PNC history. Their lucky opponents were the Cincinnati Reds.

Francisco Liriano was just unbelievable. Pitching seven strong innings, while only allowing one run over four hits and five strikeouts, Liriano was able to thrive in the spotlight and play a big part of the Pirates Wild Card game success. His silencing of the Reds bats gave the Pirates time to pounce on Johnny Cueto, which they did.

Johnny "Cue-to", on the other hand, struggled mightly against the Pirates bats last night. He allowed four runs (three earned) and seven hits over 3.1 innings of work. The "Cue-to" chants, or just the two early homers, rocked Cueto and took him out of the game early. He'll have all offseason to prepare for the next time he faces the Pirates.

Russel Martin homered twice and drove in two en route to the Pirates 6-2 win. He was one of four Pirate hitters to tally two or more hits. Only Ryan Ludwick got more than two hits for the Reds, as he had three base hits.

The Pirates will advance to the National League Division series against the St. Louis Cardinals.

PIT 6 | 13 | 0

CIN 2 | 6 | 1