Pirates Morning Report: Homestand Off To A Good Start

vet4golfing51

June 18

Final Score: Pirates 4 Reds 1

Why The Pirates Won: Paul Skenes was solid if not spectacular going 6 innings giving up 1 run on 6 hits, walking 1 while striking out 7. Not the most efficient outing as he took 96 pitches to do it. The bullpen was even better giving up only 1 hit and no walks over the last 3 innings. The A team strikes again. The Pirates won the battle of the first inning outscoring the Reds 3-1. Two out lightening struck again in the next inning as McCutchen and Reynolds had back-to-back doubles after 2 were out. That was enough for Skenes and the mighty bullpen. The Reds helped out by getting runners picked off 1st in two consecutive innings, both with no outs at the time.

Key Moment Of The Game: The top of the sixth Skenes did have some struggles. Elly De La Cruz led off the inning with a single. Paul Skenes on a great move picked off Cruz for the first out. Jeimer Candelario hit a sharp 107 MPH liner right at Conner Joe for the 2nd out. Spencer Steer singled to left. Paul Skenes issued his only walk and if not for the pick off the Reds would have had the bases loaded with one out. Skenes got out of the inning on a weak tapper back to the mound and the Reds never really threatened again.

Next Game: Tonight, the Reds in Pittsburgh. Barry Falter starts tonight and again he draws the best pitcher on the Reds in left hander Nick Lodolo. With a left hander going I use to say that was good since that meant Tellez would not play. I am sure he won't tonight. What I will be curious about is that as long as he on this hot streak will there be a game against a righty that he will not play. All I can is say there better not be. This will be another indication if the Pirate management team is really serious about winning. You know that this streak will not last forever. Can somehow, someway the Pirates get on a roll? I just don't know. Maybe that pathetic blowout lost to Rockies will turn things around.