Ivan Nova threw a complete game as the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Cincinnati Reds 4-1, winning their second straight game.
The Pirates played a complete baseball game tonight. The pitching, offense, and defense were all sound as the Pirates advance to 69-69, getting back to .500.
Takeaways
- Ivan Nova was masterful tonight tossing a complete game giving up six hits, one run, while striking out four. For the fifth time in seven starts, Nova did not walk a batter. Nova did a fantastic job of pounding the strike zone as 66 of his 94 pitches were for strikes. This is his second complete game as a Pirate. In total, Nova is 5-0 with a 2.53 ERA with Pittsburgh. He has 32 strikeouts, opposed to just two walks. It is safe to say that Ivan Nova will be earning himself a healthy contract this winter when he becomes a free agent.
- Josh Harrison had a nice night at the dish swatting two doubles in four at bats. In his last 13 games, Harrison is batting .357 (20-56) with four doubles. His batting average for the season is up to .280. Jung-Ho Kang got the offense rolling early tonight with a two run double in the first inning. Since coming back, he is 7-14 with three home runs and a double. Kang has been just the spark this offense has needed. David Freese and Francisco Cervelli both had two hits with a double.
Throwaways
- Not much went wrong for the Pirates tonight. They got out to an early lead and let Ivan Nova cruise for the rest of the game. Everyone in the lineup got a hit tonight except for Jordy Mercer, but he walked twice. Besides Ivan Nova’s throwing error, the defense was excellent tonight. Tonight was a good night for the Pirates.
W – Ivan Nova (5-0)
L – Dan Straily (11-8)
Line of the Night
Ivan Nova tossed nine innings, giving up five hits, one run, and zero walks.
Player of the Game
Hop on over to our twitter feed to cast your vote for today’s Player Of The Game!
#RaiseIt The Pirates defeat the Reds 4-1 to get back to .500. Who is your player of the game?
— Jason Rollison (@jrollisonpgh) September 9, 2016
Next Up
The Pirates will try to win their third straight game as Steven Brault opposes Tim Adleman.
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