Pirates Win Pitching Duel 1-0 On Fraze's Homer

Today's Game:

Chase De Jong, David Bednar, Miguel Yajure, Michael Feliz, Kyle Crick, Sam Howard and Roansy Contreras climbed the bump. Fraze answered the bell at second, Erik Gonzalez was at short and Shelty started a Bryan Reynolds-Brian Goodwin-Gregory Polanco OF.

Can't say anything bad about the moundsmen - De Jong went 3-2/3 scoreless with a hit and two whiffs, using just 46 pitches. The other guys put up goose eggs in their inning and the unscheduled David Bednar even got in the action, K'ing the only batter he faced to close out the fourth. In all, the guys gave up just three hits and two walks while fanning 11, and the Bucs needed that performance from them to eke out a 1-0 win over the Twins.

And today's hero - image Pgh. Pirates

The Pirates attack wasn't much to see with just six raps. Fraze had two of the hits, including a sixth-inning solo shot, and that was all it took. Both sides tossed the ball beautifully and didn't get into much trouble; Minnesota was just 0-for-2 with RISP and the Bucs 0-for-1. Wilmer Difo made the big play for Pittsburgh, snaring a sixth-inning liner while drawn in and then doubling up a Twinkie off third to end the frame.

Notes:

• Roany Contreras struck out the side in the ninth with a walk, and Kyle Crick fanned a pair in a clean frame of work.
• Todd Frazier had some back tightness and was scratched from yesterday's game. He's considered day-to-day. The full report on injuries is due tomorrow.
• It's Matt Capps turn in the booth this week, and like Kevin Young, he did a good job in his analyst role.

Tomorrow's Game:

JT Brubaker is the scheduled starter against the Bravos, replacing Brault, followed by Clay Holmes, Chasen Shreve, Nick Mears and Braeden Ogle. The game will be carried by AT&T SportsNet.