Final Score: Pirates 7 Nationals 4
Why The Pirates Won: They got off to a hot start scoring 4 runs in the 1st and 1 in the 2nd. Martin Perez gave the Pirates their first quality start of the season by going 6 and 2/3 innings giving up just 2 runs on 6 hits, 2 walks, while striking out 6. It was the best start of the year by a Pirate pitcher. The Pirates added to their lead in the 5th when Connor (Maybe This Was A Good Signing) Joe hit a 2-run homer. The bullpen had a little hiccup as Luis Otiz had some control issues giving up 2 runs, 2 hits, and 2 walks in 1 inning of work. Fortunately, Chapman and Bednar shut down the side by striking out 3 of the last 4 National batters of the game. The Pirates head home with a nice 6-1 record. Granted the competition has not been that tough, but you can still lose to bad teams over the season. The bottom line is the Pirates did not look overwhelming winning 6 out of the first 7 games, but who cares. The offense perked up again last night scoring 7 runs on 11 hits and 7 walks. They also had a season low of 7 strikeouts. Hayes had another error and is in a mini slump going 1 for 13 for the series. There is no question the competition will get tougher when the homestand starts today, with the Orioles and Tigers coming to town. If the Pirates go 3-2 in this homestand I will be happy, especially with Falter still scheduled to start on Saturday. I am sure the Pirates will be happy to be home today. Let's just hope that the momentum continues.
The Key Moments Of The Game: After being shut down for the first time this season, the Pirates started the game quickly, setting the table early by loading the bases with no one out. Jack Suwinski hit a sacrifice fly. Connor Joe walked and Rowdy (I'm Going To Prove You Wrong Too) Tellez hit a ground ball 75 MPH but it was perfectly placed to get into centerfield scoring runs 2 and 3, sending Connor Joe to third base. Henry Davis hit another sacrifice fly and the Pirates scratched out 4 runs in the inning. Reynolds singled in the 5th run in the top of the second and before you could say BEER HERE, the Pirates had a 5-0 lead that was never really threatened. It got a little interesting in the 8th, but Chapman and Bednar quickly shut it down and the Pirates are 6-1.
Next Game: This afternoon, Orioles in Pittsburgh if it doesn't get snowed out. Jared Jones will make his second start before a fired-up opening day crowd. This will be a good test for these early season Buccos as Baltimore is one of the best teams in the American League, with many people picking them to make the World Series this year. If they can win 3 out of these next 5 home games, then I would say job well done.
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