Pittsburgh Pirates series review vs Reds

Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Game One: Jeff Locke (7-9, 4.66ERA) vs. Anthony DeSclafani (7-10, 3.87ERA)

Result: Pirates lose 3-1

Winning Pitcher: Anthony DeSclafani (8-10, 3.75ERA)

Losing Pitcher: Jeff Locke (7-10, 4.56ERA)

Save: Aroldis Chapman (29, 1.73)

• What went right:
  • Neil Walker went 2-4 with an RBI from the two-hole.
  • Andrew McCutchen reached base twice. He went 1-3 with a walk.
  • Jeff Locke wasn’t terrible but his defense massively let him down. He went five innings, allowed three runs (one earned) on four hits and struck out six.
  • Bullpen did a good job of keeping the team in the game. Jared Hughes, Arquimedes Caminero and Antonio Bastardo all had scoreless, hitless outings.

• What went wrong:
  • Sean Rodriguez had maybe his worst game as a Pirate. He went 0-3, committed two pivotal errors in the field and was picked off in the ninth inning while on first base.
  • Gregory Polanco committed a throwing error, which allowed an extra runner to score.
  • Jung Ho Kang grounded into a double play to end the eighth inning, which was the Pirates best chance to get back into the game.
  • Anthony DeSclafani kept the Pirates’ bats silent for most of the game. He went 7.1 innings, allowed one run on seven hits and struck out six.

The Pirates had a very rough start to the series with the Reds. I am hoping it was exhaustion from the late night in St. Louis and the early start to the game, but it was not the best effort from the Bucs. They were sloppy in the field and weren’t able to cash in on any of their opportunities. They looked to respond with a little Filthy Frankie.

Next: Game Two: Liriano vs. Iglesias