Top of the 8th

The Pirates are clawing back. After going without a baserunner for five innings, Pittsburgh closes the gap to 3-2 on Steve Pearce's single, which scores Nyjer Morgan.

A four-pitch walk to Andrew McCutchen puts an end to Jeff Karstens' day, as he gives way to Billy Traber. A reliever looking to make the club, Traber is No. 61. If I were him, I'd keep it. Is there a cooler number to wear with the Yankees than 61?

That was Roger Maris' single-season home run record, which stood for nearly 40 years. He set it during the summer of '61. And that was the year Mickey Mantle nearly caught him before a batch of ailments limited him to 54.

(What a down year!)

But the Yankee mystique hasn't followed Karstens to the mound. Mienktiwicz singles to center, tying the game - which is now moving slower than a snowbird - at 3.

Jorge Velandia follows by ripping a two-run single to left, and the Pirates take a 5-3 lead into the bottom of the eighth.