Welcome to Takeaways & Throwaways. Shortly after every Pittsburgh Pirates game, come to Pirates Breakdown to see our flash recap format. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about the game, without making you read the same boring recap you can see anywhere else.
FINAL: Pirates – 4, Cubs – 2
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Takeaways:
- David Freese had himself another big game. He put together more quality at-bats and was rewarded with two RBIs. He has easily been the Pirates most consistent hitter during the young season. Nothing but professional at-bats. He had two extra-base hits and showed excellent plate awareness as he went the other way when he needed to.
- Gerrit Cole had himself a fantastic start. When a lot of people were doubting him, he shut down a very good Cubs lineup. He went six innings, allowed two runs on six hits and struck out five. He also showed some stellar control as he only walked one. Very encouraging bounceback start for Cole.
- Gregory Polanco had another fairly solid game. He went 1-3 with a walk and two runs scored. He hasn’t been overly spectacular this season but he has unquestionably been steady. Given how up and down his career has been thus far, it’s nice to see a more consistent approach at the plate.
Throwaways:
- John Jaso continued his hitless start to the season as he went 0-4 and left five men on base. Jaso’s defense has been decent enough but at a certain point, he needs to put together a string of good at-bats. He has simply put been below the line to start the season. He also misplayed a ball in the ninth inning that should have been the third out. Nothing came of it but you never want to give the Cubs extra outs.
- Felipe Rivero did throw a scoreless inning but he loaded the bases in the process. His control was very erratic as he walked one batter and hit another. He was very lucky to escape the jam unscathed.
- Jordy Mercer was pretty bad at the plate. He went 0-3 with a walk and two strikeouts. Both were of the looking variety, which is always the most frustrating way to strike out. Mercer is usually an undeserved whipping boy but he has been very bad at the plate the last handful of games.
Line of the Day:
The Line of the day is fairly obvious as for the second straight game a starting pitcher went at least six innings. Gerrit Cole was tremendous as he went six innings, allowed two runs on six hits with five strikeouts.
W – Gerrit Cole (1-1, 5.29ERA) L – Kyle Hendricks (1-1, 5.73ERA)
Vote in Our Player of the Game Poll:
Following every Pirates game, we do a Twitter player of the game poll. Please feel free to vote! This game featured great performances from both Gerrit Cole and David Freese. Should be an interesting poll!
#RaiseIt The Pirates defeat the Chicago Cubs 4-2!! Who is your Pirates player of the game?
— Jason Rollison (@jrollisonpgh) April 14, 2017
Up Next:
The Pittsburgh Pirates will go for the series win against the Cubs as rookie Tyler Glasnow will look to improve on his horrendous first start of the 2017 season. He will be opposed by Jake Arrieta. So this may be a tricky game, huh?
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