Pirates Morning Report: Looking For The Third Out

Final Score: Pirates 4 Cardinals 5 10 innings

Why The Pirate Loss: Mitch Keller pitched a very odd game. In 6 innings he got the first 2 batters out 4 times. Only twice did he get the next batter out. With the exception of their 4th run, the Cardinals scored all their runs with 2 outs. In the first, after 2 were out, Keller gave up a walk, and 2 singles to allow the Cardinals to tie the game. Then in the bottom of the sixth, there was a Wilson Contreras double sandwiched between two outs, when Lars Nootbaar took a first pitch high inside cutter and drilled into the seats to tie the game at 3. Overall, just an ok performance by Keller as he gave up the 3 runs on 7 hits and 2 walks, while only striking out 3. The bullpen hung tough, with Colin Holderman getting out of a 2nd and 3rd nobody out jam in the bottom of the 8th, which would have been the key moment of the game if the Pirates had won. Will Crowe came close to getting out of the bottom of the 10th, but just could not get the job done, giving up the winning run with, what else, 2 outs. The same could be said for the Pirate batters. They had 8 hits and 4 walks but could only muster 3 runs in the first nine innings, and one of those was a gift by Cardinals. They were 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position.

Key Moments Of The Game: In the top of the 6th inning the Pirates were given a 4th out but could not take full advantage of it. They loaded the bases in the top of the 7th, but could not score a run. In a nutshell, the Cardinals were able to get 2 out hits, as they batted 5-13 with runners in scoring position. As a result, the Cardinals were able to gain a series split, and the Pirates record fell to 9-7.

Next Game: Tonight, Rockies in Colorado. At first glance it would appear that the Pirates are catching the Rockies at the right time, as they are 5-11 and on a 5 game losing streak. However, they are always tough at home and tonight they are throwing lefty Kyle Freeman, who has an ERA of under 1, with 2 or his 3 starts being in Colorado which is a hitter’s paradise. We are throwing up, I mean starting Rich Hill who at 43 may be more concerned with his oxygen levels at the high altitude, rather than throwing strikes. I will be happy if we can come out of Colorado with 1 win. If we do better great, I just hope we avoid the sweep.