It has been a rough start to the 2022 season for the Pittsburgh Pirates. After dropping the first two games of their four game road series with the St. Louis Cardinals, they would use a big offensive output to “Raise the Jolly Roger” for the first time this year. A five run third inning proved to be all Pittsburgh needed in a 9-4 victory.
St. Louis jumped out in front with three runs in the first inning. Tyler O’Neill hit a sac fly for the first run and that was followed up later in the inning with a two run home run by Nolan Arenado. All of these runs came off of Pirates starter Bryse Wilson. Wilson worked four innings today giving up five hits, with two strikeouts and one walk.
Pittsburgh would tag Cardinals starter Steven Matz for seven runs during his three innings on the bump. Michael Chavis had the biggest hit of the game when he smacked a grand slam to left to put his team ahead. Later in the inning Kevin Newman would drive home Diego Castillo. The Pirates continued to put runs on the board in the fourth. Ke’Bryan Hayes drove in Roberto Perez on a single to center. A wild pitch later in the inning would bring in Ben Gamel.
The Pittsburgh bullpen would send three pitchers to the mound today and all three did well. Miguel Yajure earned the win after pitching two innings, striking out and walking one batter. Heath Hembree gave up one run on two hits during the seventh inning. The final two innings were covered by Wil Crowe, and he would strike out two batters during that time.
Jake Marisnick hit a single to right center to plate Castillo in the seventh. The final run for the Pirates came in the when Hayes flied out to right. The throw from right field would hit Gamel on his way to third, allowing him to head home.
After a rough first inning, Pittsburgh settled in and battled for a much needed victory. Hayes continued to showcase his glove, while Castillo made a strong case for being the starting second baseman going forward after his three hit day. These two teams will wrap up this four game series tomorrow afternoon.
Record vs. Cardinals: 1-2
Record vs. N.L. Central: 1-2
Record on the Road: 1-2
Overall Record: 1-2
And…
As Always…
Let’s Go Bucs!
