Series Review: Pittsburgh Pirates vs New York Mets

Aug 15, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher

Blanton

(55) delivers a pitch during the eleventh inning of the game against the New York Mets at Citi Field. The Pirates won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Game Two: Charlie Morton (7-4, 4.48ERA) vs. Jon Niese (7-9, 3.46ERA)

Result: Pirates win 5-3 (14 innings)

Winning Pitcher: Joe Blanton (4-2, 3.38ERA)

Losing Pitcher: Sean Gilmartin (1-1, 2.45ERA)

Save: Mark Melancon (37, 1.64ERA)

• What went right:
  • Charlie Morton had a pretty good start as he went 6.1 innings, allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits and stuck out nine.
  • The bullpen was absolutely awesome as they worked 7.2 scoreless innings.
  • Joe Blanton in particular was outstanding as he worked three innings, allowed zero runs on one hit and stuck out six.
  • Chris Stewart continued to be a reliable contributor as he had the go-ahead pinch-hit single in the 14^th inning. He went 1-1 with an RBI.

• What went wrong:
  • Charlie Morton may have stayed in the game a bit too long as he allowed two seventh inning home runs that allowed the Braves to tie the game.
  • Michael Conforto had a solid game for the Mets. Going 2-4 with two RBI and a run scored.
  • Gregory Polanco had a rough night on the base paths as he was caught stealing and picked off.
  • Pirates committed two errors, including a vital one by Aramis Ramirez that allowed the Mets to tie the game on a two-run home run in the seventh inning.

Joe Blanton was pivotal in the Pirates securing a series victory. They then turned to Jeff Locke for a series sweep as Robin took on The Dark Knight.

Next: Game Three: Locke v. Harvey