Final Score: Pirates 11 A’s 0
Why The Pirates Won: The Pirates threw their 19th shutout of the season. The offense came alive for 11 runs. The AAA boys had their game of the year. They went 6 for 10 with a home run, 3 RBIs, and 3 runs scored. The Pirates had 15 hits that included 2 home runs and 5 doubles. Mike Burrows ran through the raindrops in the first 4 innings but did not give up a run. He gave up 5 hits, and it took 74 pitches. Carmen Mlodzinski went 3 innings, giving up just 2 hits. Yohan Ramirez and Dauri Moreta finished up the shutout. For the 2nd straight game, the Pirates staff did not issue a walk. They ended their final home game on a high note.
Key Moments Of The Game: The first inning told the story of this game. In the top of the first, the A’s had runners on 1st and 2nd with 1 out. Burrows struck out the next batter and got a fly ball out to end the inning. In the bottom of the inning, the Pirates had 2 outs and nobody on base. Bryan Reynolds singled, and Spencer Horwitz walked. Andrew McCutchen singled, scoring Reynolds. Nick Gonzales doubled, and the Pirates had a 2-0 lead. In the bottom of the 2nd, the Pirates had a runner on 1st with 2 outs. Jared (I Am Great In Meaningless Games) Triolo hit a home run to make it 4-0. The Pirates were off and running. Joey Bart had a huge day. He went 4 for 4, including a 3-run homer in the bottom of the 5th.
Next Game: Tomorrow night, the Reds in Cincinnati. The Pirates will be thrust back into the playoff race. The Reds are tied with the slumping Mets for the last wild card spot. The Diamondbacks are only 1 game back. It should be an interesting week for the Pirates. Both wild card races are still very much undecided. In the American League, the Tigers and Guardians face off in Cleveland. The Tigers will be trying to avoid one of the biggest collapses in the history of baseball. On July 6th, the Tigers were 15 and 1/2 games ahead of the Guardians. When the series opens in Cleveland tomorrow night, the lead will be down to one game. This week will be baseball at its best. Too bad the Pirates have to be involved.
The Goofy Game of Golf/Life Searching for the Answer 