When the Pittsburgh Pirates announced the starting pitchers for this week's series with the Atlanta Braves, the news that Jeff Locke would start tonight's game came as a surprise. Locke had been recently banished to the bullpen due to season-long ineffectiveness as a starter, and despite the occasional great game this season, he had earned his exile. Although there appeared to be a handful of better starter options, the opponent was, after all, the Braves, last in the major leagues in runs scored. If pressed, even the most intransigent pessimist might have acknowledged at least a non-zero chance that, if Locke didn't pitch one of his rare gems, he at least might be able to bluff his way through some innings and allow the Pirates offense and bullpen to earn a win against a reputedly inferior opponent.
Locke and Pirates blow early lead, lose to Braves 8-4
