It looked like the perfect ending to their Tuesday for the Pirates…they had a big lead over the Dodgers as they looked for their eighth win in a row on the same day they announced a contract extension for star outfielder Bryan Reynolds. But then they faltered and lost the game. Here’s Greg Brown.
Manager Derek Shelton says the Pirates gave the game away.
Shelton says starter Johan Oviedo scuffled to keep the Pirates in the game.
Johan Oviedo says he didn’t have his best stuff.
In tonight’s second game of the series, Roansy Contreras [2-1, 4.57 ERA] faces Dodgers lefty Tony Gonsolin, last year’s All-Star game starter who is making his season debut after starting the year on the injured list with a sprained ankle. Gonsolin was 16-1 with a 2.14 ERA last year. The pregame airs at 6:10 on WCCS with the first pitch at 6:35.
Drew Maggi still has not played since his recall Sunday from Altoona. The 13-year minor league veteran has never appeared in a Major League game. He’s probably headed back to Altoona soon, when Bryan Reynolds returns from the bereavement list, as early as tomorrow.
Reynolds and the Pirates have agreed on an 8-year, $106.75 million contract extension that will kick in after this season. It includes a $2 million signing bonus and a six-team limited no-trade clause and a $20 million team option for 2031, with a $2 million buyout.
Pirates reliever Chase De Jong started for Indianapolis in a rehab appearance last night. He threw one scoreless inning, walking one. Indianapolis won the game, 10-4 over Columbus as Cal Mitchell went 5-for-5 with a home run.
ALTOONA CURVE
The Curve stumbled in the opener of a six-game series in Reading, falling to the Fightin’ Phils, 11-2. Kyle Nicolas gave up seven runs on nine hits in four-and-two thirds innings. Only four of the 11 Reading runs were earned thanks to a throwing error by Andres Alvarez and a passed ball by Dylan Shockley. Mason Martin had two hits for Altoona.
Justin Meis starts for Altoona tonight.
