The Pittsburgh Pirates have one win since the All-Star break. That break ended ten days ago. In that time, they have gone 1-8 and are currently in the midst of a seven-game losing streak. That streak reached seven after an 8-2 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies at PNC Park on Sunday afternoon. Poor pitching and a lack of offense were the main factors in today’s loss.
JT Brubaker was roughed up early and often during his 4.1 innings on the mound. During that time, he would allow seven runs on twelve hits with four strikeouts. Brubaker would also pick up his ninth loss of the season. Philadelphia scored two runs in the first inning. It started with an RBI double by J.T. Realmuto and ended with an RBI double by Nick Castellanos.
Pittsburgh got on the board in the third when Cal Mitchell doubled home Kevin Newman. The Phillies got that run back and added to their lead in the fifth. Kyle Schwarber crushed a 428 ft. home run to left center, then Castellanos drove in a run on a single to center. Bryson Stott kept things rolling with an RBI single to shallow center. Matt Vierling plated a run with a single to right center, and the final run of the inning came in on an RBI single by Odubel Herrera.
Philadelphia scored their final run of the game in the sixth on a solo home run by Alec Bohm. That run was charged to Dillon Peters, who gave up four hits in 1.2 innings on the mound. Tyler Beede covered the final three innings, allowing two hits with a strikeout. The Pirates scored one more run in the ninth on a Yoshi Tsutsugo RBI single to left center.
The Phillies got a strong start from Aaron Nola. He would work six innings, allowing one run on six hits with eight strikeouts and one walk. Mark Appel, yes, the former Pittsburgh draft pick, struck out one and allowed one hit during his two innings on the mound. Jeurys Familia gave up one run on two hits and a walk in the ninth.
With the loss today, the Pirates now sit at the bottom of the National League Central Division standings. They are also currently tied with the Kansas City Royals for the fifth worst record in baseball. Thankfully they have an off day tomorrow before welcoming the Milwaukee Brewers to town for a three-game series. Tuesday will also be the trade deadline, so we may see some new faces in Buccos uniforms for that game.
Record vs. Phillies: 0-4
Record vs. N.L. East: 7-15
Record at Home: 21-29
Overall Record: 40-62
And…
As Always…
Let’s Go Bucs!
