4/9/23- By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on Twitter
Following two games where the teams combined to score 38 runs on 54 hits, a much more subdued finale as starting pitchers Johan Oviedo and Michael Kopech exchanged zeroes for much of the day, leading to only one run scoring off a combined 8 hits.
Despite the low-offense affair, the fireworks came out following a collision at the plate. With runners on first and third, a ground ball from Hayes led to a play at the plate. Oneil Cruz collided with catcher Seby Zavala and appeared to wretch his left leg. It was later announced that he had a fractured left ankle.
Following the collision, while Cruz was on the ground in obvious pain, Zavala threw his mask at Cruz and audibly threw some choice words his way. Carlos Santana got in Zavala’s face and benches cleared.
News & Notes
- Canaan Smith-Njigba shot a ball off the Clemente Wall in the 2nd for a triple at 104.1 MPH for a triple and later scored on a Jack Suwinski sacrifice fly to center
- Bryan Reynolds is riding a 9-game hitting streak after a 6th-inning singles
- Oneil Cruz has a fractured left ankle. They will reevaluate soon.
- Johan Oviedo generate 18 swings-and-misses – 6.2 innings, 5 hits, 5 Ks, no walks and no runs throwing 89 pitches (62 strikes)
- Jack Suwinski did not get a hit but he had the two furthest hit balls of the game – one for 392 feet and one for 387 feet – and walked in the 7th inning. Doesn’t show up on the box score but this was a much better look from him than we have seen previously this year
- Back end of the bullpen continues to be shutdown. Dauri Moreta, Colin Holderman and David Bednar handled the last 2.1 innings: 1 hit, no runs, no walks and 4 strikeouts.
- Pirates are back in action at home tomorrow at 6:35PM as the defending champion Houston Astros come to town with southpaw Framber Valdez on the bump against Roansy Contreras. Let’s Go Bucs!
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