Pirates Series Recap: Yankees, Team and Fans, Take Over PNC Park

Well, I am writing this article in a much happier state than I was last Sunday. The Pirates salvaged the final game of the three-game set for the second series in a row, this time against the Yankees, thanks to a swift-thinking stolen base by Jack Suwinski and a sacrifice fly by Tommy Pham.. The Pirates stand at 3-7 in the team’s first divisional series against St. Louis.

Holy Torpedo!

Both Mitch Keller and Bailey Falter discovered how serious the Bronx Bombers' lineup was, as both pitchers gave up seven runs. Keller did it in under four innings while Falter lasted into the fifth.

For Keller, 14 of the first 24 batters reached base, including the bottom third of the order getting on their first six chances with five hits and a walk. Ben Rice, the Yankees' leadoff designated hitter, came up to bat three times before Isiah Kiner-Falefa, the Pirates’ ninth hitter, came up once.

Falter was a different situation. The Yankees scored two runs through four innings, but the Pirates' offense came alive the second time through the order, scoring four runs in the bottom of the fourth and chasing Marcus Stroman out of the game. 

However, the first six batters in the top of the fifth reached base, scoring six runs. Shelton brought Colin Holderman in, who boasted an ERA north of nine coming into the game, and proceeded to allow all his inherited runners to score, plus one of his own.

Don’t Think, Just Throw

Endy Rodriguez’s ability to throw to second base this season has been troubling. Opposing runners have five stolen bases off Endy through three games behind the plate. Whether it's his confidence in his surgically repaired elbow, or still getting the feel for things, he has not been able to throw accurately as he could have caught two of those base stealers, with Jazz Chisholm Jr. being one of them on Saturday.

Now You See It

The Pirates came alive the second time through the batting order in the series' final two games. Overall, the Pirates had three walks and five extra-base hits, including the first-career triple by Enmanuel Valdez. Tommy Pham also recorded his first Pirate RBI with a sacrifice fly.

The Pirates reached base four times in the series in the first time through the order. After seeing the pitcher once, the team reached base 16 times with a sacrifice fly. The team jumped on Marcus Stroman and Will Warren for four runs, the second time through.

Unfortunately, the team’s offense returns to its lackluster ways once the starter exits the game, as the Pirates struggle to find any footing against opposing pitches the first time they encounter them.

HEANEY, HE HE HE HEANEY

Remember when you said Andrew Heaney shouldn’t be rostered by the Pirates after spring training? Well, it turns out that he has been the Pirates’ second-best pitcher twice through the rotation. Heaney finished a seven-inning one-run masterclass against the Yankees on Sunday, striking out Aaron Judge twice and not letting him reach base in three times seeing him. Heaney struck out ten batters and gave up just four hits on Sunday, bringing his ERA to 2.00 and his WHIP to 1.00 through two starts. 

Up Next

The Pirates now focus on the St. Louis Cardinals, starting today in town for a three-game set. The Buccos will send Carmen Mlodzinski to the mound for game one, looking to right the ship after a tough first start. Paul Skenes and Mitch Keller will follow.