Pittsburgh Pirates Series Recap: The Jaso Show

The Pirates looked to rebound from a rough series against the Cubs by taking on the St. Louis Cardinals in Busch Stadium.

The Pittsburgh Pirates played a stinker of a series against the Chicago Cubs. At no point did they really look to be in control of any of the games and were swept out of their home ballpark. It was ugly and pretty terrible to watch.

Baseball is a not game that lends itself to dwelling on the recent past too much as the Pirates needed to forget about the Cubs series and turn their attention from one NL Central rival to another as they prepared to play a three game set against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Game One: Francisco Liriano (2-1, 3.86ERA) vs. Carlos Martinez (4-1, 2.60)

Result: Pirates win 4-2

Winning Pitcher: Francisco Liriano (3-1, 3.60ERA)

Losing Pitcher: Carlos Martinez (4-2, 2.61ERA)

Save: Mark Melancon (8, 2.92ERA)

• What went right:
  • Jung Ho Kang had a huge return to the lineup from his knee injury. After two unproductive at-bats, Kang homered twice. He finished 2-4 with two home runs, three RBI and two runs scored.
  • Francisco Liriano looked outstanding again. He ended up going seven innings, allowed two runs on five hits and struck out 10.
  • Starling Marte had two hits and a run scored.
  • Gregory Polanco reached base twice. He went 1-3 with a walk and a run scored.

• What went wrong:
  • Aledmys Díaz continued to be the living embodiment of the Cardinals’ organizational depth. He went 3-4 with a run scored.
  • Jung Ho Kang grounded into a double play in his first at-bat.
  • Randal Grichuk went 1-3 with a walk and one run scored.
  • Pirates struck out 10 times as a team.

The Pirates came out following a terrible Cubs series and mostly played a solid opening game. They were in control throughout and really played a clean game.

Jung Ho Kang provided a huge spark to the team and his bat was the major difference in the game. Following his first two at-bats, I am sure many were wondering if he came back too soon. Don’t think anyone was thinking that following his two home runs.

The Pirates looked to lock up a series with Jeff Locke on the mound.

Game Two: Jeff Locke vs. Adam Wainwright