Halladay has gone 24 consecutive outs without a hit through 8 innings. (He gave up hits to the first two hitters, and nothing since.)

And they pull him after 8 innings.

At 92 pitches, I'd have given him a chance to go 27 outs without a hit.

This is going to be a common refrain for the Pirates, I think - good pitching, no hitting. It was basically the story of their first half last year.

I would have let Halladay have the 9th myself, but I understand why Manuel didn't; it's a long season and there's no sense running him out there now when all of the arms are still fresh.

-- MWE