Pittsburgh Pirates Wake Up Call – Swept out of the Windy City

In our daily Wake-Up Call, we get you ready for the day with a complete look at all things Pittsburgh Pirates

Swept out of the Windy City

Last night the Pittsburgh Pirates lost 10-5 to the Chicago Cubs and were swept in the series by a vastly superior opponent. The Cubs are very obviously the best team in the league right now and they played like it last night. The Cubs were pretty much in control for the entire game and the Pirates now find themselves at 33-36 and are in desparate need of a spark.

The Pirates simply didn’t play a good game last night and gave the Cubs plenty of opportunities and they took advantage of it. Cubs went 4-9 with runners in scoring position and hit five home runs in the game. Kyle Hendricks also pitched very well for the Cubs, as he went six innings, allowed one run on seven hits and struck out 12.

A welcome to the Show Moment

Jameson Taillon has had more good than bad during his first run through the big leagues, but last night he had a true welcome to the big leagues moment as the Cubs made him look like a pitcher making his third Major League start. He went four innings, allowed four runs on eight hits but did strikeout five batters.

Taillon pitched very well in his first two starts, but he could not contain the Cubs’ offense as they pretty much made him look very young. No shame in that as the Cubs have one of the elite offenses in all of baseball. A rookie tried to play the role of stopper and he wasn’t able to do it. That’s why this start wasn’t ideal for the Pirates as they attempt to stop their June swoon.

A Happy Father’s Day

Before the game, the Pirates called up catcher Jacob Stallings from Triple-A. Stallings’ father, Kevin is the new head coach of the Pitt Panthers basketball team, so this had to be an incredible moment for the Stallings family. Kevin got to see his son finally make his MLB debut, which may be better than any gift he’s ever received.

Stallings went 0-4 with two strikeouts, but that doesn’t matter. He is currently a Major League Baseball player and while we are all frustrated with the Pirates’ play over the past few weeks, it’s important to remember that baseball players are people and they are all somebody’s son and a proud father got to watch his child make his Major League debut. Whether your team is in first place or not, it is still a special moment and what makes baseball a truly wonderful game.

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