Game #1 Recap: In the first three innings, Kwang Hyun Kim and Chad Kuhl were dealing. The Bucco excitement: a Gonzo leadoff single, a long ball by Stalls that was pulled back, Joey O flashing some leather at third after muffing his first chance and a pair of DPs. For the Cards, they have a hit and two run-saving catches by Tyler O'Neill, robbing Stallings of his homer and Newman of extra bases. With two gone, Stalls singled home Tuck with the game's first run in the fourth while the Redbirds stranded a knock and a walk. The Card OF continued to shine in the fifth when Dexter Fowler climbed the wall to bring down Joey O's shot. Yadi then tied it with a leadoff dinger. The Pirates got a boot and rap to open the sixth; a DP and pop calmed it down. Two Cardinals walked with two down, but a K stopped the show. Giovanny Gallegos came on in the seventh (the last frame per 2020 rules) and Jake greeted him with a single, but he survived a couple of well hit balls by Gregory and Will Craig. Chris Stratton took over, and a sliding two-out grab by Tucker in center took the game into bonus time.
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| Two more hits for Stalls - photo Pittsburgh Pirates |
John Gant worked the eighth. Jarrod Dyson replaced Craig as the free runner, and Tuck dropped a bloop single to plate him. J-Bell walked with two away to put Pirates on the corners before Bryan Reynold's soft liner into center on an 0-2 pitch gave the Bucs an insurance marker. A boot on Jake's bouncer made it 4-1. Tyler Webb was waved in and finished up. Ric Rod was sent in for the save, and a leadoff knock put Cards on the corners. A sac fly and two more raps made it 4-3 and left a Redbird on third with one out. RR ended the drama he created with a pair of reach-back swinging Ks, firing six heaters; raise the Roger.
It was a good game to watch; nice fielding, strong pitching and a firewagon extra inning. Hope the nightcap can match.
Notes:
- Jake had two hits; Tuck had one, scored twice and chased a run home.
- And while they were playing, the Pirates claimed OF Anthony Alford, 26, off waivers from the Blue Jays. In parts of four years in the show, Alford batted .155 with three extra-base hits and six stolen bases in 46 games. MLB.com had him as a Top 50 Prospect once upon a time (preseason 2018); the Jays used him mainly as a pinch runner and defensive replacement this year.
- The Phillies and Nationals are reportedly postponing their game tonight. The Mets and Marlins are also considering sitting out.
Game #2: The back end of the twin bill should start at 6:50 and will be aired by AT&T SportsNet & 93.7 The Fan.
Lineup: Eric Gonzalez SS, Adam Frazier 2B, Bryan Reynolds LF, Josh Bell 1B, Gregory Polanco DH, Cole Tucker CF, Jose Osuna RF, JT Riddle 3B, John Ryan Murphy C and Cody Ponce P.
Pitchers: Youth is being served today as 26-year-old RHP Cody Ponce (0-1, 5.40) battles RHP Johan Oviedo (0-0, 3.60). Cody is getting his first MLB start; he has two earlier outings and 3-1/3 IP in the show. The Bucs got him from Milwaukee last year for Jordan Lyle; the Brew Crew had converted him to reliever, and the Bucs flipped him back to starter. He had a tough row at Altoona and Indy, but seemed to find himself in the Arizona Fall League, so we'll see. He's on the taxi squad, but the Pirates can move him in-and-out freely today as the extra man in a twin bill. The 22-year-old Cuban Oviedo will be making his second MLB start. His debut was solid against the Cubs, going five innings and giving up two runs in a no decision, although his role for the Cards seems to be as a spot starter rather than rotation piece.
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| Cody Ponce - photo Pittsburgh Pirates |
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