Pittsburgh Pirates Series Recap – From Bad to Worse

The Pittsburgh Pirates looked to rebound and brush away a controversial trade deadline against the Atlanta Braves

Game One: Gerrit Cole (6-6, 2.78ERA) vs. Mike Foltynewicz (4-4, 4.30ERA)

Result: Pirates win 5-3

Winning Pitcher: Gerrit Cole (7-6, 2.73ERA)

Losing Pitcher: Mike Foltynewicz (4-5, 4.60ERA)

Save: Tony Watson (1, 2.58ERA)

• What went right:
  • Gerrit Cole pitched fairly well as he went five innings, allowed one run on seven hits and struck out four.
  • Adam Frazier went 2-4 with a double and two RBIs.
  • Tony Watson got his first save as the Pirates’ closer.

• What went wrong:
  • Nick Markakis went 2-4 with a home run, two RBIs, and a run scored.
  • Ender Inciarte went 2-4 with a run scored.
  • Jung Ho Kang committed a fielding error.

Game Two: Jeff Locke (8-6, 5.43ERA) vs. Robert Whalen (0-0, 0.00ERA)

Result: Pirates lose 8-4

Winning Pitcher: Robert Whalen (1-0, 7.20ERA)

Losing Pitcher: Jeff Locke (8-7, 5.63ERA)

• What went right:
  • The Pirates’ offense exploded in the first inning as they scored four runs on three hits.
  • Matt Joyce went 1-3 with a home run, three RBIs, and a walk. He also threw a runner out at home plate.
  • David Freese went 1-3 with a run scored.

• What went wrong:
  • Ender Inciarte went 3-4 with one RBI and two runs scored.
  • Pirates went 1-10 with runners in scoring position.
  • Jeff Locke was absolutely awful. The team spotted him a 4-0 lead and couldn’t hold it. He went 4.1 innings, allowed five runs on nine hits and walked two.

Game Three: Ryan Vogelsong (1-1, 3.74ERA) vs. Tyrell Jenkins (1-2, 4.91ERA)

Result: Pirates lose 5-2

Winning Pitcher: Hunter Cervenka (1-0, 3.27ERA)

Losing Pitcher: Felipe Rivero (0-4, 4.30ERA)

Save: Jim Johnson (7, 3.79ERA)

• What went right:
  • Ryan Vogelsong pitched very well in his return as he went six innings, allowed one run on three hits and struck out six.
  • David Freese went 1-4 with a home run.
  • Eric Fryer went 0-1 with two walks and a run scored.

• What went wrong:
  • Tyrell Jenkins completely shut down the Pirates’ offense. He went six innings, allowed one run on three hits and struck out two.
  • Jung Ho Kang committed two errors, which resulted in three runs scored for the Braves.
  • John Jaso did not leave the box on a double play. He just stood there, frozen and then smiled as he walked back to the dugout. Clint Hurdle did not look pleased.

FINAL THOUGHTS