05/16/2023 – By Ethan Smith – @mvp_Ethan on Twitter
I don’t know what to say or how to think, so here goes.
The Pittsburgh Pirates and the month of May are like oil and water, they don’t mix, at all. Since the turn of the calendar to a new month, the Pirates went from the best record in the National League to now being unable to score more than four runs in a game, a streak that continued once again against the Tigers that has lasted since April 30 against the Washington Nationals.
About that April 30th game, many fans, including myself, batted an eye at that performance against a subpar Nationals squad as the Rays were on deck in a battle of the AL and NL’s best teams.
That feels like ages ago.
It’s not just the offense either. The defense has taken a noticeable step back from its April form with the Pirates having another error credited defensively. Luis Ortiz didn’t help much in this one either, finishing with just 3.0 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 4 BB and 3 K while his ERA elevated to a 5.63 clip in his second start of 2023.
Ortiz was rattled, there was no doubt about that, but the Pirates offense did, and I am saying this a lot, ONCE AGAIN, what has led them to this horrendous month of May so far, a failure to give their starters any sort of run support whatsoever.
The Pirates would end the day with five hits to their credit, with three of those five hits coming from the 5-9 hitters.
It just can’t continue like this. Tucupita Marcano was ejected on the final plate appearance of the game after a horrid strike three call, showcasing the clear frustration going on with the team overall.
Yohan Ramirez was a bright spot at least, posting 2.1 IP w/ 4 K, but outside of that, it was a rinse and repeat of what we’ve seen from the Pirates all month, a porous offense with absolutely no life and an inability to create runs.
Anyways, Pittsburgh will wrap up their short two game set with Detroit tomorrow as Rich Hill takes on Eduardo Rodriguez.
News & Notes
- Ortiz: 3.0 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
- Ramirez: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
- Underwood Jr.: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
- Pirates streak of scoring four runs or less continues
- 2-11 month of May now for Pittsburgh
Inside The Bucs Basement 
Horrid’s a bit strong on the Marcano call–I’d say bad, given it was at least within a ball length, but I’m sure many see that as quibbling. The Pirates offense, though? Horrid again, to your point.
Ortiz was so wild that this could’ve been much worse, my goodness. Big credit to Ramirez and Underwood handling five innings combined without a run. That could be important for the bullpen if the offense finally turns things around.
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