It was another tough night for the Pirates’ bullpen as reliever Chris Stratton blew a late lead in last night’s game against the Nationals and they fell in the series opener, 3-2.
Joe Block has the recap.
Pirates will send LHP Jose Quintana (1-4, 3.60 ERA) to the mound in game two tonight, while Washington will start LHP Patrick Corbin (3-10, 6.60 ERA). Airtime is 6:40 p.m. on WCCS 101.1 FM and AM 1160.
Manager Derek Shelton said the blown lead was the result of poor pitch execution.
Miguel Yajure was recalled from Triple A Indianapolis prior to yesterday’s game and was named the starter for last night’s game. He pitched four innings of shut-out ball and allowed just four hits. Shelton said he liked what he saw from Yajure.
Stratton said he needs to be better on the mound.
In addition to Yajure being recalled from Triple A, the Pirates yesterday activated INF Josh VanMeter from the 10-day injured list after he was out since June 2 with a fracture in his left finger.
He went 1-for-3 last night with a double and an RBI.
To make room on the active roster, the Pirates optioned OF Cal Mitchell to Indianapolis and designated LHP Anthony Banda for assignment.
Among other roster moves reported yesterday, RHP Jerad Eickhoff has cleared waivers and was outrighted to Indianapolis. This comes days after he gave up 10 earned runs in his Pirates debut on Wednesday.
MLB
Twelve suspensions were handed out between the Los Angeles Angels and Seattle Mariners following their benches-clearing brawl on Sunday in Los Angeles. MLB Senior Vice President for On-Field Operations Michael Hill announced that Angels’ interim manager Phil Nevin will serve a 10-game suspension after his pitcher, Andrew Wantz, intentionally threw at a Mariners hitter after warnings were handed out.
Mariners outfielder Jesse Winker will serve a seven-game suspension for his actions that led to the melee. Several others were disciplined with five-game, three-game, two-game and one-game suspensions.
