Pirates Morning Report, Doubles, Anyone.

Final Score: Pirates 3 Orioles 6

Why The Pirates Lost: The pitching just was not there last night. They were touched up for 6 runs, 11 hits and gave up 6 walks. They were lucky that the Orioles only scored 6 runs. It could have been much worse. The Orioles left 12 runners on base and were just 3 for 13 with runners in scoring position. In the first 2 games of the series the Orioles have hit 8 doubles. The Pirate’s bats woke up a little bit with Cruz hitting a 2-run homer and Hayes driving in a run in the 6th. Still, they only managed to get 6 hits for the game. One of those hits was by that dynamic duo of Allen and Van Meter. They went 1 for 5 to keep those averages below .200. It was really good to see those two get some playing time, so the young players could see how not to play baseball. They heavily contribute to every loss. But this loss has to be put on the pitchers. Chase De Jong went so far as to allow a run without giving up a hit by walking 3 batters in one inning. Here, take that extra run to help ensure victory, you don’t even have to swing.

Key Moment of The Game: The Orioles were making an effort to help the Pirates get back into the game by hitting a batter, then walking a batter to start the top of the 8th. Ke’Bryan Hayes hit a sharp ground ball just to the left of second base and Oriole shortstop, Jorge Mateo made a nice diving stop and flipped the ball to second while still on the ground to start a double play which essentially ended the threat.

Next Game: This afternoon, Orioles in Baltimore. I knew it would not be long before Van Meter made it back in the starting lineup to help lose some games. Will they have enough balls to do it 2 games in a row. Bryce Wilson starts tomorrow which does not bode well for avoidance of a sweep. Van Meter or Allen may not need to play.