The Pirates’ offensive misery continued as they wasted another great start by Mitch Keller last night in New York. Joe Block recaps another quiet night for the Bucs’ bats.
Right fielder Bryan Reynolds was 0-for-5 last night and his batting average has sunk to .198. Reynolds is 2-for-42 in his last ten games.
Oneil Cruz missed his third straight game due to lower back tightness.
Henry Davis had a hit and a bases-loaded walk for the Pirates. Davis says the Pirates need to keep grinding.
He says the Bucs aren’t hitting like they should be.
The Pirates will try again tonight in New York, sending left-hander Bailey Falter (2-3, 4.36 ERA) to the mound against former Bucco righty Clay Holmes (5-1, 2.74 ERA), who has transitioned from the closer’s role with the Yankees to the starting rotation in his first year with the Mets. It’s a 6:45 airtime, a 7:10 first pitch on WCCS.
Paul Skenes says he will pitch for the U.S. in next spring’s World Baseball Classic. And he is thrilled to get the opportunity.
Rosters have not been named yet, but the captain for the Americans will be the Yankees’ Aaron Judge. Former Big Leaguer Mark DeRosa will manage the team.
Another top young arm in the Pirates organization made another sparkling start last night. Top-rated prospect Bubba Chandler threw five shutout innings in a 3-1 Indianapolis win over Louisville. Chandler gave up four hits and three walks and struck out eight, lowering his ERA to 1.91. First baseman Spencer Horwitz continued his rehab from wrist surgery, going 1-for-3.
ALTOONA CURVE
The Altoona Curve and Harrisburg Senators were rained out last night and will play a doubleheader today, starting with the regularly-scheduled game at 11 AM. Allesandro Ercolani will start the first game and Po-Yu Chen the second.
