After Thursday Night’s extra inning victory over the Braves, it seemed as if the Pirates might be able to hang with one of the better teams in the NL East over the past few years in the four game weekend series. Now we know this obviously wasn’t the case after Pittsburgh’s offense was only able to put up one run a piece over the next three contests, and even the most reliable members of the Pirates rotation-Tyler Anderson and JT Brubaker-couldn’t hold up against Atlanta’s hot hitters.
After jumping out to a lead on a Bryan Reynolds RBI double, and having Brubaker sit down Freddie Freeman for the second out in the bottom of the first, I had some hope on this steamy Sunday afternoon. However, this was quickly dashed as a sharply hit single by Marcell Ozuna, a misplayed ball by Will Craig and an Austin Riley homer put Pittsburgh down 3 to 1. Then a couple of innings later, Riley would a two run jack to his already spectacular series, and that was all she wrote.
For the rest of the game the Pirates would only double their hit total from the first inning; going down with a whimper, 7 to 1 in the final game of the four game series.
News and Notes
- Adam Frazier extended his current hitting streak to 9 games. He still leads the league in total hits.
- Bryan Reynolds adds the offense from the right side yet again, as he hits his league leading 16th double on the season.
- It would have been nice to see Brubaker keep his sub 3.00 ERA, however after two less than ideal starts it has ballooned to 4.20. The one positive I would take away from his outing today would have to be the seven strikeouts and zero walks.
- The Pirates “Pitchers”, with Wilmer Difo included, surrendered 15 homers to the Braves in the four game series. Not surprising, this a new record.
- I am still wondering why Cole Tucker was brought up from Triple A on Friday. Two at bats in three games doesn’t make much sense for a guy that needs to get his bat going.
The Pirates are off on Monday before they welcome the Cubs and the Rockies for three a piece at PNC Park.
As of right now Tuesday’s starter for Pittsburgh has not been announced, but General Manager Ben Cherington stated that it has been narrowed down to Cody Ponce, Miguel Yajure and Chase De Jong. I know most Pirates Fans are probably clamoring for Yajure again, yet, I am actually kind of curious to see how either Ponce or De Jong would perform on the big stage.
This is supposed to be a year of evaluation, so why not get a good look at everyone.
Inside The Bucs Basement 