The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the San Francisco Giants 6-4 to earn a series sweep at AT&T Park. Here are the takeaways and throwaways from the contest.
Takeaways
- The best things in life are free- The Pirates took advantage of Matt Cain’s free passes in the top of the fifth inning. Cain hit David Freese to start the inning, then promptly walked the next three hitters before Matt Joyce roped a single to right to score two runs. Josh Harrison hit a sacrifice fly to score Eric Fryer to even the score up at four in a fantastic fifth inning for the Pirates.
- McCutchen playing like his MVP self- While the free bases helped the Pirates rally, McCutchen’s two-run homer put the dagger in Cain’s afternoon and put the Pirates up two runs.
- The Shark Tank still has its bite– After scoring four runs in the first four innings, the bullpen of the Pirates limited the Giants to one run over the next five innings. Jeff Locke threw one scoreless inning before Juan Nicassio threw two scoreless innings himself. Felipe Rivero come on in the eighth and shut the door striking out one. The ninth, however, was anything but elementary for Tony Watson as the Giants loaded the bases with no outs. Watson did allow a run, but slammed the door on the home team to earn the save.
Throwaways
- Getting hit hard- In Ivan Nova’s starts with the Pirates, he has very seldom missed many barrels. The difference in those other games, Nova’s defense was able to help him out. Today, the righty wasn’t so lucky giving up one hard hit after another giving up four runs on six hits, three of those hits coming for extra bases.
- First inning woes- Another game, another first inning in which the Pirates gave up runs. This time Nova gave up two runs on three hits in the opening frame to fall behind the Giants early. Today was the fifth consecutive game in which the Pirates gave up a run or more in the first inning.
W – Jeff Locke (9-7)
L – Matt Cain (4-8)
S – Watson (7)
Line of the Night
Tonight we will focus on the resurgence of centerfielder Andrew McCutchen.
With the pennant race heating up so to has McCutchen. The star centerfielder began the month of August with being benched against the Atlanta Braves. Since then, McCutchen has proceeded to reach base in all 12 games since, hitting .317 with eight RBIs. To go along with the improved average, McCutchen’s walk total in August makes up for nearly one-third of his season walk total.
The resurgence of McCutchen has helped lead the Pirates in winning eight of the 12 games following their series against the Braves. As McCutchen goes, the Pirates go. With the return of the MVP-like play of McCutchen, the Pirates look to be even more dangerous as the season continues.
Player Of The Game
Hop on over to our twitter feed to cast your vote for tonight’s Player Of The Game!
#Pirates sweep the Giants after today's 6-5 win. Who is your Player Of The Game?
— Jason Rollison (@jrollisonpgh) August 17, 2016
Up Next
The Pirates have Thursday off before welcoming the Miami Marlins to PNC Park for a three-game series this weekend. The Pirates will send Gerrit Cole (7-8, 3.25 ERA) to the mound Friday night against Tom Koehler (9-8, 3.86 ERA) for the Marlins. On Saturday, Chad Kuhl, with a 3-0 record and 3.73 ERA, toes the rubber for the Pirates while David Phelps, with a 6-6 record and 2.38 ERA, will toe the rubber for the visitors. In the final game, Ryan Vogelsong (2-2, 3.20 ERA) opposes Jose Urena (1-4, 6.80 ERA).
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