The 2020 Major League Baseball season may have been shortened, but it felt extra-long at time for fans of the Pittsburgh Pirates. It all came to an end today after Pittsburgh lost to the Cleveland Indians 8-6. While there were some glimpses of hope, there is definitely work that needs to be done before anyone feels comfortable calling this team a contender any time soon.
JT Brubaker made the start for the Pirates today and pitched five innings. During that time, he allowed five runs on seven hits to go with three strikeouts and two walks. All five of those runs came via the home run. A two-run homer by Carlos Santana in the third inning tied the game at two, while a three-run home run by Franmil Reyes in the sixth got Cleveland back to within a run.
The Buccos got the scoring started in the second inning when Jose Osuna hit an RBI single to right to bring in JT Riddle. They doubled that lead in the third on a Ke’Bryan Hayes solo homer to deep right centerfield. After the Indians tied the game, Osuna hit a solo home run and Colin Moran brought in a run on a fielder’s choice, with an error, to give Pittsburgh a two-run lead in the fifth.
The Pirates final two runs of 2020 occurred in the sixth inning on an Adam Frazier two run double to right centerfield. Cleveland would use a three run seventh inning to complete the comeback and secure an 8-6 victory. Santana brought in two runs with a double to right centerfield and then came around to score when Reyes hit a sac fly to centerfield.
Health and consistency are the biggest question marks of the Buccos heading into 2021. They need to see both of these from their starting rotation and bullpen if they want to be anymore than a bottom feeder in the Big Leagues. It is sad to see this shortened season come to an end, but let’s hope that 2021 will bring a full season and fans back into the ballparks that we love.
Record vs. Indians: 1-5
Record vs. American League: 3-17
Record on the Road: 6-22
Overall Record: 19-41
And…
As Always…
Let’s Go Bucs!
