Mitch Keller threw a complete game, helping the Pittsburgh Pirates snap their seven-game losing streak with a 2-0 victory over the Colorado Rockies at PNC Park on Monday night.
Keller was masterful on the mound for Pittsburgh, tossing a complete game shutout. He gave up just four hits and walked one while striking out eight. With the victory, he improved to 4-1 and lowered his ERA to just 2.72 on the season.
The Pirates’ offensive struggles continued on Monday, managing just two runs against Colorado’s starter Kyle Freeland. He lasted seven innings, giving up two runs on seven hits with three walks. He fell to 3-4 on the season.
Pittsburgh had opportunities to score throughout the game but couldn’t come through with runners in scoring position, something that was a growing trend during the past week. But finally, in the seventh inning, Rodolfo Castro connected on a much-needed two-run homerun to center field, making it a 2-0 score, which would be the final.
As a team, the Bucs managed just seven hits, two from Ke’Bryan Hayes, who was the only player to have more than one hit. Of course, Castro’s hit was the biggest of all, helping Keller tally that well-deserved win.
This was a much-needed victory for this Pirates’ team. Incredibly, despite losing seven consecutive games, they are still atop the N.L. Central division. And while it is much too early to be looking at divisional standings, hopefully Monday’s victory can propel this team back in the right direction of playing high-quality baseball.
The Pirates will look to make it two in a row on Tuesday night at PNC Park. Luis Ortiz will make his season debut for Pittsburgh against Connor Seabold for the Rockies.
Record vs. Rockies: 4-0
Record vs. N.L. West: 6-1
Record at Home: 10-7
Overall Record: 21-15
And…
As Always…
Let’s Go Bucs!
