Pittsburgh Pirates series review vs Reds

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