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Christopher 'Mad Dog' Russo: Burning Cole Was A Mistake

PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) – Baseball commentator and avid Giants fan Chris "Mad Dog" Russo joined "The Fan Morning Show" Tuesday to look ahead to Wednesday's National League Wild Card Game.

Russo said he didn't agree with the Pirates using Gerrit Cole in an attempt to stay in the NL Central race on Sunday.

"Number one, they're going against Cueto," Russo said. "I know in baseball you never know, but Cueto pitches well against the Pirates [and is] going for his 20th win. And number two, the Cardinals had Wainwright pitching later in the day in Arizona, and I just think that unless destiny is in your own hands - which it wasn't - I think Cole can't pitch the game."

He also told the guys that he isn't too high on the pool of closers that this year's playoff teams have, including Mark Melancon.

"I don't trust the closer," Russo said. "You can't tell me if you're a Pirate fan, 3-2 top of the ninth, middle of the order up, Melancon, that you have complete faith that he's going to get them out and win the Wild Card."

The interview can be heard here:

Mad Dog 9-30

(Photo by Brian Kersey/Getty Images)

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