Bay clutch again

Jason Bay has been criticized in the past for not producing in the clutch.

That hasn't been the case this season. Bay proved that again Saturday when he hit a two-run homer to give the Pirates their first lead of the game. He followed that up with the game-winning single in the bottom of the 14th to give the Pirates a 5-4 win.

This isn't the first time of late that Bay has produced in the clutch. His two-run homer Thursday spurred the Pirates past Milwaukee and he even hit a three-run, pinch-hit homer at St. Louis May 15 also gave the Pirates a win.

Bay has rebounded after a disappointing 2007 season. He has the top on-base percentage on the team, and the third highest slugging percentage. He also leads the team in walks – by 13 – and is tied for the team lead with 12 home runs.

His start has been overshadowed a bit by the strong starts of fellow outfielders Nate McLouth and Xavier Nady but make no mistake, Bay is once again one of the most productive outfielders in the National League.