Final Score: Pirates 8 Red Sox 2
How The 2023 Pirates Did: Again only 5 were in the starting lineup and Bryan Reynolds had an even bigger game last night. He hit 2 home runs and drove in 4 going 3 for 4. Oneil Cruz finally got a hit, but Marcano, Cruz, and Madris all hung collars. Michael Chavis came in to pinch hit and went 1 for 2, with an RBI double. J. T. Brubaker pitch a great game going 7 innings giving up only 2 hits, hitting one batter, no walks, striking out 7, throwing only 84 pitches, and facing just 23 batters. Of course, The Shadow would not let him come out for the 8th inning, it would make too much sense. Colin Holderman pitched an impressive 9th, striking out 2 and throwing only 9 pitches. Overall, a very good night for the 2023 Pirates. A great way to celebrate Roberto Clemente’s birthday.
Key Moment of The Game: Even though Brubaker was cruising along, it was nice to see the 2 out lightening in the bottom of the third. After 2 were out Newman and Reynolds singled and Ben Gamel, DHing for the 2nd night in a row, doubled in the 2 runs to give the Pirates a 4-0 lead. It was nice to see another team make a questionable fielding play. From that point on with the way Brubaker was pitching the Pirates had the game well in hand. Now, that is the definition of a dominant performance.
Next Game: Tonight, Reds in Pittsburgh. Surprisingly Kevin Padlo did not start last night. I still expect to see him in the outfield. The Reds come to town as Pirates will battle for the cellar in the National League Central. There should be some really good starting lineups as the Pirates try to maintain their position for next year’s draft, currently they would pick 4th.
The Goofy Game of Golf/Life Searching for the Answer 