Pittsburgh Pirates Series Recap – Ugly Series Win

The Pittsburgh Pirates looked to rebound from a terrible road trip against the Cincinnati Reds.

Game One: Jameson Taillon (2-2, 3.52ERA) vs. Anthony DeSclafani (6-0, 2.93ERA)

Result: Pirates win 3-2

Winning Pitcher: Tony Watson (2-3, 2.72ERA)

Losing Pitcher: Ross Ohlendorf (5-7, 4.56ERA)

• What went right:
  • Jameson Taillon pitched a tremendous ballgame. He went six innings, allowed one run on six hits and struck out six.
  • Andrew McCutchen reached base twice and stole a base.
  • Sean Rodriguez won the game with a walk-off solo home run.

• What went wrong:
  • Brandon Phillips went 2-3 with a walk and one RBI.
  • Matt Joyce went 0-3 with two strikeouts.
  • Tony Watson blew his first home save opportunity.

Game Two: Ivan Nova (7-6, 4.90ERA) vs. Homer Bailey (1-0, 3.18ERA)

Result: Pirates win 5-3

Winning Pitcher: Ivan Nova (8-6, 4.83ERA)

Losing Pitcher: Homer Bailey (1-1, 7.27ERA

Save: Tony Watson (2, 2.66ERA)

• What went right:
  • Ivan Nova pitched supremely well in his Pirates’ debut. He went seven innings, allowed three runs on six hits and struck out five.
  • Starling Marte went 2-4 with a double, two RBIs and a run scored.
  • Neftali Feliz and Tony Watson each pitched a scoreless inning to seal up the victory.

• What went wrong:
  • Brandon Phillips went 2-4 with two home runs, two RBIs, and two runs scored.
  • Josh Smith, Keyvius Sampson, and Jumbo Diaz shut down the Pirates’ offense. They combined to throw five innings, allowed zero runs on one hit.
  • John Jaso and Starling Marte were both caught stealing.

Game Three: Gerrit Cole (7-6, 2.73ERA) vs. Dan Straily (6-6, 3.80ERA)

Result: Pirates lose 7-3

Winning Pitcher: Dan Straily (7-6, 3.76ERA0

Losing Pitcher: Gerrit Cole (7-7, 2.94ERA)

• What went right:
  • Matt Joyce went 1-3 with a home run, a walk, one RBI, and two runs scored.
  • Josh Harrison went 1-4 with a home run and a run scored.
  • Juan Nicasio pitched two scoreless innings of relief.

• What went wrong:
  • Billy Hamilton had an unreal game. He went 3-4 with a walk, four stolen bases, and three runs scored.
  • Brandon Phillips went 3-4 with two RBIs.
  • Dan Straily pitched very well. He went six innings, allowed two runs on three hits and struck out four.

FINAL THOUGHTS