It was Clemente Day around Major League baseball, as teams took the time to honor and remember “The Great One” Roberto Clemente. This day has extra significance for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who began a series with the New York Mets at Citi Field. New York is in the midst of clinching the N.L. East title and they took another step towards that with a 7-1 victory.
It was a former Bucco that got things started for the Mets. Daniel Vogelbach drove in two runs in the bottom of the first with a double to right. Pittsburgh was able to cut into that lead in the second on a Michael Chavis double to right center to plate Cal Mitchell. A two-run home run by Francisco Lindor and RBI single by Vogelbach gave New York a four-run lead and put the game well out of reach.
JT Brubaker started for the Pirates, but left after three innings with lat discomfort. He allowed five runs on seven hits with two walks and five strikeouts. Carlos Carrasco made the start the Mets. Carrasco pitched six innings, allowing one run on four hits, while striking out eleven and walking two. Seth Lugo and Joely Rodriguez pitched the final three innings for New York striking out five batters.
The Mets got their sixth run of the night in the fourth when Mark Ventos singled to right center. That run was charged to Eric Stout. Stout worked two innings, allowing one hit, walking and striking out two batters. He was replaced in the sixth by Robert Stephenson, who would work one inning. The final run of the night came when Yohan Ramirez hit Pete Alonso with a pitch while the bases were loaded.
This was a tough way to celebrate Clemente, but such has been the case for Pittsburgh this season. They were once again outhit, tonight by the margin of 10-4. This four-game series will continue Friday night with first pitch set for 7:10pm. The Pirates will send Mitch Keller to the bump, while New York will counter with Taijuan Walker.
Record vs. Mets: 1-3
Record vs. N.L. East: 9-23
Record on the Road: 27-46
Overall Record: 55-89
And…
As Always…
Let’s Go Bucs!
