With no shot at the postseason, the Pittsburgh Pirates have no choice but to look towards 2021. In doing so that means giving young guys the opportunity to gain experience and show that they are worthy of being a part of a future turnaround for this organization. Two players did that tonight, Mitch Keller and Ke’Bryan Hayes.
Hayes big night began in the first when he launched a solo homer to center field in the first inning. The Pirates increased that lead in the third when Jose Osuna hit a homer to left. The Buccos had two more runs cross the plate in the sixth. Hayes came around to score on a Colin Moran single to right center field, after he hit a double. A sac fly to center by Jacob Stallings put Pittsburgh ahead 4-0 after six innings.
Keller has been plagued by injuries during his short time in the big leagues, but he is still viewed as someone who can be a staple at this level for years to come. He would pitch a no hitter through six innings tonight, striking out six and walking two. He was lifted after this inning having thrown 84 pitches.
St. Louis began their comeback in the seventh and was aided by a poor outing from Geoff Hartlieb. Hartlieb walked two batters and gave up three runs without recording an out. Tyler O’Neill started things off with a two-run double to shallow left. A sac fly to right would bring in Yadier Molina and get the Cardinals back to within a run.
Things weren’t any better when Sam Howard entered the game. He would collect one out, but gave up two runs on three hits. Kolten Wong tied the game with a single to right centerfield. The winning run for St. Louis came around on a Tommy Edman single to left centerfield that scored Harrison Bader.
It was a shame for the bullpen not to give support to Keller after he had the best outing of his career. I guess we shouldn’t be surprised though, as the bullpen has been carrying the load for sometime now as the starters have had trouble making it past the fourth inning. Tomorrow will be the final time these two teams meet in 2020. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05pm.
Record vs. Cardinals: 4-5
Record vs. N.L. Central: 13-22
Record at Home: 10-17
Overall Record: 15-37
And…
As Always…
Let’s Go Bucs!
