History was made on Wednesday afternoon. In first time of their storied history, the Atlanta Braves, also Milwaukee and Boston, swept a season series from the Pittsburgh Pirates. They would do that today in grand fashion as they let their offense, and some Pittsburgh errors, lead the way to a 14-2 victory.
Atlanta got the offense going in the second on a William Contreras two run home run. A fielding error by Josh VanMeter allowed Eddie Rosario to score on a ball put in play by Robbie Grossman. With the bases loaded Dansby Swanson cleared them with a double to right, Swanson would advance to third on a VanMeter throwing error. The final run of the inning came on an Austin Riley single to right.
More damage would occur in the eighth for the Braves. Ronald Acuna Jr. hit an RBI single to left. With the bases loaded Riley was hit by a pitch to bring in the ninth run of the game. Matt Olsen then blasted a grand slam to right, and finally Grossman hit an RBI single to left. The Pirates got on the board in the ninth with a solo home run by Kevin Newman. A sac fly by Tucupita Marcano got Pittsburgh their second run of the afternoon.
Mitch Keller was tagged for the loss, but the damage wasn’t on him. He allowed seven runs, two earned, over 3.2 innings. He would strike out five and walk two. His counterpart Kyle Wright worked seven innings, giving up two hits with eight strikeouts and one walk. Thankfully the Pirates have a day off tomorrow after using six pitchers out of the bullpen.
This was an ugly game and overall a rough seven games against Atlanta for Pittsburgh this season. Things will not get easier for the Pirates as they head across the state on Friday to begin a three-game series with the Philadelphia Phillies. Philadelphia currently holds a one game lead over the San Diego Padres for the second wild card spot. First pitch is slated for 7:05pm.
Record vs. Braves: 0-7
Record vs. N.L. East: 7-18
Record at Home: 26-36
Overall Record: 47-77
And…
As Always…
Let’s Go Bucs!
