8-21-21 – By Gary Morgan – @garymo2007 on Twitter
Earlier today I wrote about young pitchers and how their growth is tracking. Dillon Peters name came up, but not because I had enough to honestly evaluate the kid. Tonight he added another good start to his resume. Tossing 5 innings of 1 run ball and probably had more in the tank if I’m honest. Really looks in command which wasn’t the book on him.
There’s really no more to add. He pitched very well. Lets see more of him, impressive stuff early on really.
The Pirates kinda brought the wood a bit tonight. Kevin Newman continues to stay hot going 2 for 4 with a solo homerun. And Yoshi Tsutugo also went 2 for 4 with a solo shot.
Up 2-1 the Pirates turned to Nick Mears who didn’t look sharp tonight and he coughed up 2 runs to give the Cardinals the lead 3-2.
Now, this is where a lot of games have gone south this year, instead Chasen Shreve came in and struck out Carpenter to keep it manageable.
The Pirates wasted no time getting back to work in the 7th, first Newman, then Gamel who was himself 3 for 4 on the night, all of this with two outs mind you.
Ke’Bryan Hayes who is starting to find it a bit but on the night largely struggled came up clutch with a sharp single that scored two. Reynolds would walk and Yoshi laced a double to left center that scored Hayes and nearly Reynolds who was thrown out at the plate to end the inning.
Whew.
Chad Kuhl newly added to the bullpen came in and promptly loaded the bases with nobody out. He didn’t look right at all.
Again, this is one of those spots where the game tends to get away from them this season.
Instead Kuhl got a fly ball to left for a sac fly and make the score 5-4.
Here’s where it gets good. He completely regrouped and blew a high fastball by Molina for a strikeout and whiffed Nootbaar on a wicked breaking ball. Oh my, that was pretty.
Stratton in the 8th and on to Bednar in the 9th, because it was a theme all night, why not have Ke’Bryan Hayes with a beautiful backhand and toss across the diamond.
What a great ballgame. I love when you get to just sit back and watch a good well fought baseball game. Not gaffes or bloops, just two teams going at each other and into the action.
Bucs win second straight against the Cardinals 5-4.
Back at it tomorrow at 2:10 with Steven Brault toeing the rubber against Adam Wainwright who I can only pray someone new to this club like Yoshi can solve.
News & Notes
- Ben Gamel in the leadoff spot has been interesting. I’ve liked Park up there, but with his bat slowed to a crawl, Gamel has jumpstarted the offense for a couple nights now. I’d like to see him stay there for a stretch.
- I know most of you probably don’t want to hear this, but Kevin Newman is hitting, Park and Castro aren’t. I’m letting him play a bit more if I’m Shelton.
- Sam Howard’s return will drastically improve the chances of this bullpen holding leads. One guy, but he’s an option they need.
- Check out my latest Fan Forum over at DK Pittsburgh Sports Podcasting Network. All Bucco Talk every week and absolutely free. Right Here
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