The Pirates dug themselves another big hole in the first inning and could not climb all the way out of it.
Joe Block reports on a late rally that fell just short.
Game Two of the series is tonight at PNC Park. Bucco Left-hander Jose Quintana [3-5, 3.70 ERA] faces the Phils’ lefty Bailey Falter [0-3, 5:18 ERA]. 6:40 airtime on WCCS.
The Pirates yesterday put Bryan Reynolds on the paternity leave list and called up Bligh Madris from Indianapolis. Madris was 0-for-3 with a walk and played right field, although the Pirates are also looking to use him at first base, which he played for a while in college. He played ten games at first for Indy after having not played the position for five years.
The Pirates have signed their 15th round draft pick, University of South Carolina first baseman Josiah Slightler, who can also pitch. Slighter hit 15 home runs and drove in 31 runs in 51 games for the Gamecocks this spring, and made five appearances with two starts on the mound, throwing in the low to mid 90 miles-per-hour range and striking out eight in seven-and-two-thirds innings pitched, going 1-0 with a 4.70 ERA.
First round draft choice Termarr Johnson remains unsigned, but he was seen at PNC Park last night, which is an indication that he may be close to reaching a contract agreement.
Teams have until August 1st to sign their draft choices or they lose their rights and the players would have to wait until next year’s draft. The Tribune Review reports today that a source says Johnson will take a physical today, which would be a routine precursor to signing a contract.
ALTOONA CURVE
Altoona’s miserable post-All-Star woes continued yesterday with a 13-4 loss to Bowie. The Curve have given up 36 runs in the first three games of the six-game series with the Baysox this week. Starter Luis Ortiz was lit up for six runs in three-and-a-third innings yesterday. Jared Triolo had three hits for the Curve and Andres Alvarez and Liover Peguero each hit home runs.
Kyle Nicolas starts for the Curve tonight in Game Four of the series
