Pittsburgh Pirates series takeaways vs Cincinnati Reds

Aug 2, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Francisco Cervelli (29) is restrained by second base umpire Kerwin Danley (44) after Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Mark Melancon was ejected from the game against the Cincinnati Reds in the ninth inning at Great American Ball Park. The Pirates won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Game Four: Charlie Morton (6-4, 4.61 ERA) vs. Keyvius Sampson (MLB debut)

Result: Pirates win 3-0

Winning Pitcher: Charlie Morton (7-4, 4.19 ERA)

Losing Pitcher: Keyvius Sampson (0-1, 4.50 ERA)

Save: Joakim Soria (24, 2.74 ERA)

• What went right:
  • Charlie Morton was electric, going seven innings, allowing no runs on five hits and striking out seven.
  • Starling Marte got the Pirates on the scoreboard first, going 1-4 with two RBIs.
  • Neil Walker had a triple that became a home run after a review. He went 1-4 with an RBI and a run scored.
  • Joakim Soria earned his first save as a Pirates after Mark Melancon was ejected for hitting Tucker Barnhart.

• What went wrong:
  • Tempers flared badly in this game as the two teams played bean ball and ended up in a benches-clearing brawl.
  • Mark Melancon was ejected in the ninth inning.
  • Andrew McCutchen did not have a very strong game, going 0-3 with two stikeouts and a hit by pitch.
  • Home plate umpire,D.J. Reyburn had a very inconsistent strike zone over the course of the game.

Next: Final Thoughts