PIRATES Bucs hope to keep momentum

Tuesday's game with Boston was rained out to create a doubleheader for today.
STAFF/WIRE REPORT
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Pirates had to wait one more day to turn some of the momentum they've built on the road into home victories.
After winning a pair of road series against Chicago and St. Louis last week, the Pirates returned home Tuesday -- where they are 8-19 this season -- only to be rained out of the first game of their three-game interleague series against Boston.
Crew chief Jerry Crawford called the game at 9:27 p.m., 2 hours, 22 minutes after the scheduled start.
The game will be made up today as part of a doubleheader starting at 5:05 p.m.
"We have to try and keep it going now that we're at home," said Kris Benson, scheduled to pitch today's opener. "Now we've got two days off, so we'll be good and rested. We just have to continue what we've been doing."
Pittsburgh scored 38 runs while winning two of three games against the Cubs and Cardinals, and it has averaged 5.9 runs per game over the last 14 games.
Bullpen coming alive
The bullpen, a problem since the start of the season, has been charged with just four earned runs in 221/3 innings over the last eight games.
"It's supposed to be an advantage for you at home, but that will come around because we're playing really well right now," infielder Jeff Reboulet said. "We could easily have won all six of those road games. But that's the nature of the game. It's a game of streaks."
Only the Detroit Tigers have won fewer home games this season than the Pirates, who are 0-8-1 in home series and have won consecutive home games only once this season. Pittsburgh is 16-12 on the road.
After the Boston series, which marks the 100-year anniversary of the first World Series between the Pirates and Boston Americans, Pittsburgh returns to the road for nine games against Atlanta, Toronto and Tampa Bay.
The Red Sox, 1-5 on a 12-game road trip, have lost five straight games, their longest losing streak since losing nine in a row from Aug. 25-Sept. 4, 2001. They lead the major leagues in batting (.294) but have fallen out of first place in the AL East because of lackluster pitching.
"I've faced them a few times in spring training, but they're in midseason shape the way they're hitting the ball," Benson said. "It's going to be a little different facing them now. They have a great lineup."
Struggling in interleague
Both teams have struggled in interleague play recently. The Pirates were 3-9 last season and have lost seven consecutive home interleague games since beating Kansas City July 13, 2001. Boston was 5-13 in interleague play in 2002 and has lost six straight since winning at San Diego last June 20.
Tuesday's "Turn Back the Clock" has been rescheduled for Thursday's contest with the Red Sox at 7:05 p.m.
Tickets for Tuesday's game are good any future regular season game at PNC Park, including today and Thursday, at the value stated.
Rain check exchanges are subject to availability and all service charges or differences in value are non-refundable.
Rain checks may be redeemed in person either at the PNC Park Main Box Office or by mailing them to the Pittsburgh Pirates Ticket Office, P.O. Box 7000, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.