Saturday night was a moment to reflect on the past at PNC Park as the Pittsburgh Pirates inducted the first ever members to their Hall of Fame. These members consist of all time greats and World Series winners. As for the present Buccos, it was another tough loss and reminder that there is still plenty of work to do in order to return to those glory days of long ago.
Pittsburgh jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the third inning when Oneil Cruz drove home Jason Delay on a triple to right center. Cruz would lead the Pirates with two hits on the night, while five others had one hit apiece. Oneil would also commit his tenth error of the year in the later innings. The Toronto Blue Jays were using their bullpen to get through this game. That lone run came off of Yusei Kikuchi.
Toronto tied the game in the fourth when Bo Bichette scored on a ground out to third by Raimel Tapia. That would be the only run that Roansy Contreras allowed on the night. He would work six innings, giving up four hits, while striking out five and walking two. Contreras continues to prove that he has the ability to be a top of the rotation pitcher for Pittsburgh next year.
The Blue Jays put this game away with a three run seventh inning. With the bases loaded Bichette would double into left and clear the bases. All three runs were charged to Duane Underwood Jr. He worked just .2 of an inning, while giving up two hits, walking two, and striking out one. Robert Stephenson would come in and collect the final out of the seventh and work the eighth inning. Manny Banuelos then pitched a clean ninth inning.
While there are bright spots that we can hope continue to develop for next year and the future, it sure is tough to stay positive in the midst of another lost season. Pittsburgh will now try to avoid being swept Sunday afternoon at 12:05pm. JT Brubaker is scheduled to start for the Pirates, while Toronto is slated to have Ross Stripling on the bump.
Record vs. Blue Jays: 0-2
Record vs. American League: 4-13
Record at Home: 26-38
Overall Record: 49-83
And…
As Always…
Let’s Go Bucs!
