Game Three: Juan Nicasio (0-0, 0.00ERA) vs. Mike Leake (0-0, 0.00ERA)
Result: Pirates win 5-1
Winning Pitcher: Juan Nicasio (1-0, 1.50ERA)
Losing Pitcher: Mike Leake (0-1, 8.31ERA)
Save: Mark Melancon (1, 3.86ERA)
- What went right:
- Juan Nicaso had his worst start as a member of the Pirates, including Spring Training. All he did was go six innings, allow one run on two hits and strike out seven. He kept the Cardinals off-balance all night. A very solid debut.
- Gregory Polanco showed off the Pirates new offensive approach by reaching base three times, all via the walk. Including a bases loaded walk that resulted in an RBI.
- Francisco Cervelli was his usual self as he went 2-3 with a double and two RBI.
- The bullpen once again completely shutdown the Cardinals as Arquimedes Caminero, Tony Watson, Cory Luebke, and Mark Melancon went a combined four innings, allowed zero runs on two hits and struck out three.
- What went wrong:
- Pirates had opportunities to really blow the game wide open, bu weren’t able to capitlize as they went 1-9 with Runners in Scoring Position.
- Gregory Polanco was caught stealing for the second consecutive game.
- Cory Luebke couldn’t close out the game, meaning Mark Melancon had to be brought in for the four run save. He allowed one hit and one walk in 0.2 innings of work.
- Josh Harrison and Dave Freese both grounded into double plays.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
