Pittsburgh Pirates series review vs Reds

Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Pirates had maybe their worst series of the year against the Brewers getting swept out of Miller Park for the second time this season, but they were able to bounce back and two two of three from the hated Cardinals. Keeping their NL Central title chances alive for at least one more series.

The Pirates then had to turn their attention to the struggling Cincinnati Reds. Great American Ballpark hasn’t been very kind to the Pirates in recent years, but when you’re in a pennant race, there is no excuse for a team as good as the Pirates to lose to a rebuilding ball club.

The Pirates are a great team and you don’t become a great team by taking other clubs for granted. The Pirates struggles against the NL Central’s bottom-feeders is not from lack of focus, I can assure you of that. The Pirates need to keep the same intensity against the Reds that they do when they face the Cardinals. Because in September, every single game means something.

The Pirates looked to Locke down a good start to the series with Mr. Popular on the mound for game one.

Next: Game One: Locke vs. DeSclafani

Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Game Two: Francisco Liriano (9-7, 3.40ERA) vs. Raisel Iglesias (3-6, 3.81ERA)

Result: Pirates win 7-3

Winning Pitcher: Francisco Liriano (10-7, 3.28ERA)

Losing Pitcher: Raisel Iglesias (3-7, 4.18ERA)

• What went right:
  • Frankie was filthy. Francisco Liriano completely dominated the Reds’ batters and they never got into any sort of groove. He went six innings, allowed zero runs on three hits and struck out 10.
  • Gregory Polanco just keeps growing right before our eyes. He was a table setter from the lead-off spot. He went 2-5, with an RBI and two runs scored.
  • Cutch happened. He only had one hit, but it was a big one. He went 1-4 with a three-run home run.
  • Jung Ho Kang had one of the most majestic home runs of the year as he hit a 450+ foot bomb in the eighth inning. He went 2-5 with a home run, an RBI and two runs scored.

• What went wrong:
  • Jay Bruce was pretty solid for the Reds as he went 2-4 with a run scored.
  • Brandon Phillips continued to hit Pirates’ pitching well. He went 2-4 on the night.
  • Josh Smith settled the game down and pitched well out of the bullpen. He went two innings, allowed zero runs on one hit and struck out two.
  • The Pirates left 16 men on base. Despite the comfortable lead, they never totally put the game away.

The Pirates did not play very well in game one of the series, but they came out much better in game two. They looked to take the series and end the road trip on a HAPPy note.

Next: Game Three: Happ vs. Sampson

Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Game Three: J.A. Happ (4-1, 1.57ERA) vs. Keyvius Sampson (2-3, 6.68ERA)

Result: Pirates win 5-4

Winning Pitcher: J.A. Happ (5-1, 1.79ERA)

Losing Pitcher: Keyvius Sampson (2-4, 6.94ERA)

Save: Mark Melancon (44, 2.09ERA)

• What went right:
  • It feels like a broken record to say that J.A. Happ pitched well, but he pitched well. He had arguably his best start as a Pirate. He went six innings, allowed two runs on three hits and struck out 10.
  • Jung Ho Kang also continued to make these reviews sound like a broken record as he provided the offense. He went 1-4 with a grand slam home run, four RBI and a run scored.
  • Gregory Polanco was the table setter again. He went 2-4 with two runs scored.
  • Mark Melancon had a pretty solid bounce back performance after struggling in game two of the series. He earned his 44^th save of the season.

• What went wrong:
  • Outside of the grand slam and a sac-fly, the Pirates offense really didn’t do much, which let the Reds get back into the game.
  • Tony Watson was not very sharp and the Reds continue to hit him better than any team in the league. He allowed two runs on three hits, but did avoid letting the Reds tie the game.
  • Aramis Ramirez committed his first error as a first baseman. It wasn’t horrible, but it did show the growing pains of converting a career third baseman to first.

Next: Final Takeaways

Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

After the Pirates were swept in Miller Park, there was a lot of understood negativity. How could a team that was swept by the Brewers play two NL Central teams in the road and win? Well the Pirates took two of three from the Cardinals and followed it up by taking two of three from the Reds. Winning four of six is a pretty good way to bounce back from a disastrous sweep. Beating the Cardinals was big, beating the Reds is what the Pirates are supposed to do. Not going to pat them on the back for doing their job, but some kudos is in order for bouncing back from a very bad Brewers series.

The Pirates will return home and see a familiar face in the Milwaukee Brewers, which despite the horrible results at Miller Park should be a welcomed site for the Pirates. They have won four of six home games against the Brewers this season. The Pirates will also see the return of The Dark Knight as A.J. Burnett makes his triumphant return to the pitching mound.

The Pirates find themselves just 4.5 games behind the Cardinals in the Central Division, so they must beat the teams they’re supposed to beat. Every game is important and none can be taken for granted. The Pirates are vastly superior to the Brewers and they must show it. Not only are the Cardinals within reach, but the Cubs are breathing down the Pirates’ necks for the top Wildcard spot. Ladies and gentleman, we have ourselves a pennant race for both the Central Division and the NL Wildcard. Hold onto your butts because it’s going to be a fun and horrifying final stretch of the season. Personally, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Series Result: Pirates win 2-1

2015 win/loss record: 83-55

2015 series record: 25-14-5

Next: What is the optimal postseason lineup for the Pittsburgh Pirates?