Bauer, Indians defeat Pittsburgh Pirates 5-2 in series opener

After sweeping the Tigers in Detroit with 49 hits, the Pittsburgh Pirates couldn’t generate much offense against Trevor Bauer and the Indians in a 5-2 loss in the series opener. Bauer went 6.2 innings, allowing two runs on just three hits and probably would have lasted longer if it weren’t for the two-hour rain delay in the middle of the game. Four Cleveland relief pitchers combined to toss 2.2 innings of scoreless, hit-less ball the rest of the way.

Opposite Bauer on the mound was Charlie Morton for the Pirates as he continues to cool down from his hot start to the season. Morton went six innings, allowing three runs on six hits and three walks, yet pulled out a quality start. His ERA now sits at 4.30 for the season. Antonio Bastardo, Arquimedes Caminero, and Jared Hughes all pitched in relief, and it was Caminero that allowed Cleveland two insurance runs in the eighth inning.

Cleveland jumped out to an early 2-0 lead when former Pirate Brandon Moss hit a two-run home run in the second inning. The Indians then tacked onto that lead when Michael Bourn doubled to right field, scoring Moss. The Pirates remained hit-less until the fourth inning when Neil Walker singled to right, which was followed by an Andrew McCutchen two-run home run to center, closing the gap to 3-2. Unfortunately, the Pirates would only get one hit the rest of the way. The game underwent a rain delay in the bottom of the seventh inning, which lasted more than two hours. When the game resumed, Trevor Bauer was no longer pitching for the Indians, and Bastardo was relieved by Caminero. In the eighth, Michael Bourn hit a two-run single to center, adding to Cleveland’s lead. The game would end by a 5-2 score.

What Stood Out

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The Pirates’ offense was shut down by Bauer and Indian bullpen after being so successful against the Tigers. They only generated three hits and were held hit-less until the fourth inning. Coming into the game, Bauer was having a good, but not great season, so it was interesting to see the offense so stagnant. Michael Bourn had three RBIs for the Indians after having just 14 all year coming into the game. For the Pirates, the lone hits came at the top of the order from Josh Harrison, Neil Walker. and Andrew McCutchen. This batting order seems to potentially be an ideal one for the Pirates if everyone is batting to their potential.

What’s Next

The second game of the series gets underway on the Fourth of July when Jeff Locke (4-4, 4.55 ERA) takes the mound for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He’ll be opposed by Cody Anderson (1-0, 0.57 ERA), who is making just his third start of the season. Anderson has only allowed one run all year in 15.2 innings of work. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 PM on Saturday.

Next: Where's John Holdzkom and why isn't he on the big league squad yet?

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