There are only three things in life that have become near certainties; death, taxes and a Pirates pitcher giving up a homer in the opening frame. Keeping in line with this train of thought, Tyler Anderson served up a dead center dinger in the top of the first to Kris Bryant; giving the Cubbies a quick 1-0 lead in the home opener at PNC Park. Luckily for Pittsburgh he would ultimately settling down and getting into a groove, throwing four scoreless; that was until Javy Baez reached down to take one into the left field bleachers, ending his day and holding him on the hook as the pitcher of record.
For the Cubs, Jake Arrieta took the mound in his second start of the season, and I immediately wondered if his strike zone would be called as friendly as it was this past Saturday in Wrigley. At times it was, but not with the same regularity; resulting in some success, but also a few hiccups that the Pirates finally took advantage of in the fourth; plating two runs and taking a brief lead.
Unfortunately, for the Pirates bases loaded with one out in the 8th was not enough to entice Pittsburgh back into the game as the Buccos fell 4-2.
News and Notes:
- Polanco got two hits, took a walk and actually looked comfortable at the plate. Not saying it is going to continue, just an observation.
- In two starts, Anderson has by far been the Pirates most effective pitcher, which isn’t something to write home about. 10.1 innings pitched, 12 Ks, and a 5,23 ERA.
- Reynold’s didn’t record a hit for the first time this year. Making a note and watching his at bats more closely.
- Dustin Fowler swung at one of the worst pitches from Craig Kimbrel I have ever seen in the 8th, with the bases loaded.
- Sell high on Rich Rod now and forever. 3 appearances, 2.1 innings pitched, 3 Ks 1 BB, 0.00 ERA and .43 WHIP.
Tomorrow is scheduled off day, so we have to wait until 6:35 PM EST on Saturday for the next game, as Mitch Keller (0-1, 9.00 ERA) takes the mound against Zach Davies (1-0, 3.18 ERA)
Inside The Bucs Basement 