RICHMOND, Va. -- I heard a ridiculous stat on the Pirates’ broadcast the other night, emphasizing just how long it has been since a Pittsburgh starting pitcher has been credited with a WIN in a game (as I recall, it had been at least half a season, maybe longer), much less successfully pitched into the later innings.
As such, when I stumbled across this factoid about Bert Blyleven’s 11-inning shutout victory back in 1978, it really stood out!
Funny personal note about Blyleven…I remember him best for the complaining that my father, a lifelong Cleveland fan, used to do about him after he was traded to (and struggled with) the Tribe. “Just another reason to hate Pittsburgh!” he’d say!

ROB ULLMAN / DKPS
For prints and books, visit my site here! Or visit the new DK Pittsburgh Sports HQ/shop at 224 Fifth Avenue, Downtown!