Final Score: Pirates 2 Cubs 1
Why The Pirates Won: Mitch Keller pitched his best game since the All Star break going 8 innings, not allowing a run, on 4 hits, a walk, while striking out 6. He was quite efficient throwing only 93 pitches. The Cubs only had 2 at bats with runners in scoring position, that’s how dominant he was. He was hit hard in the 8th with four balls exiting at over 100 MPH but fortunately two were right at the right and center fielder. The final one was a sharp comebacker to Keller for the final out. The Pirates were able to scratch out 2 runs in the first inning in an otherwise anemic offensive performance. Things got scary in the 9th but the Pirates hung on to end the 7 game losing streak to the Cubs.
Key Moment Of The Game: David Bednar came in to get the save in the top of the 9th and promptly game up a home run to Ian Happ. What is it with this guy and the Pirates. The last 15 games he is hitting .200 with On Base Percentage of .250 and already in this series he is 3 for 8 with one homer and two RBI’s. Cory Bellinger hit a ball to shortstop Alika (I’m A Triple A Player) Williams which he double clutched, and Bellinger was ruled safe at first base. Long story short, the call was overturned. I did not agree with call being overturned, but the Pirates will take it. You never know what would have happened, but this certainly had to take the sails out of the Cubs momentum. Dansby Swanson hit another ground ball to Williams and this time he rushed his throw but a nice scoop save by Alfonso Rivas got the 2nd out. After a stirring 9 pitch battle, Bedar struck out Seiya Suzuki and the Pirates defeated the Cubs for the first time in 2023
Next Game: Tonight, Cubs in Pittsburgh. Tonight, Bob Friend, Kent Tekulve, Elroy Face, and Dick Groat will be inducted to the Pirate Hall of Fame. That does not change the fact that it was a disgrace that Bob Friend was not in the inaugural class. He was by far the greatest Pirate pitcher of all time. At least he got in this year. The Pirates are bullpenning again tonight.
The Goofy Game of Golf/Life Searching for the Answer 