Tag: Thank you Umps

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Pirates Morning Report: Look Out Two In A Row

Final Score: Pirates 6 Cardinals 3

Why The Pirates Won: Johan Oviedo pitched an inefficient but effective 5 innings giving up just 1 run, 5 hits, 1 walk while striking out 5. His fastball did touch 97 MPH occasionally and overall, it was a decent performance compared to his last two outings. It took him 97 pitches to throw 5 innings. The Pirate batters, after going 9 up and 9 down against Adam Wainwright, put up a run in the 4th and put a big 5 spot in the bottom of the 5th. The score was 2-1 in the bottom of the 5th with 2 outs and runners on 2nd and 3rd. Bryan Reynolds lined a double down in the right field corner, followed by a line drive home run into the left field seats by Andrew McCutchen to quickly make the score 6-1. The bullpen was shaky again but was able to preserve the win. The Pirates have won 2 in a row. The next thing you know you will be hearing about hurricanes in California.

The Key Moment Of The Game: The Pirate bullpen already had given up a run in the top of the 6th inning to make the score 6-2. In the top of the 7th the Cardinals really got things going. With 2 outs the Cardinals singled home a run to make the score 6-3. Out goes Dauri Moreta and in comes Colin (I Don’t Like To Throw My 100 MPH Fastball) Holderman. He promptly gives up a single and a walk to load the bases for Willson Contreras. Contreras had just doubled his last at bat to drive in run number 2. The first pitch was close and called a strike. The second pitch was ball. The third pitch was simply a ball that was called a strike. It was at least 4 inches low. Now in the hole 1-2, Contreras struck out on a high 99 MPH fast ball and then was ejected from the game. A nice break for the Pirates. Holderman pitched a clean 8th, which was more surprising than the Pirates winning 2 in a row. Bednar got the save and the Pirates will be looking for the sweep today.

Next Game: In about 90 minutes, Cardinals in Pittsburgh. The desperate for starting pitching Pirates are going with Luis Ortiz today, who has not been lighting up at AAA. It will be interesting to see if his fastball his back to being close to 100 MPH. Could these Pirates possibly win 3 in a row. Who knows? Only the Shadow knows.