3 Takeaways From Sloppy Series Loss At Wrigley Field

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 11: Ben Zobrist #18 of the Chicago Cubs is tagged out at home plate by by Francisco Cervelli #29 of the Pittsburgh Pirates during the sixth inning at Wrigley Field on April 11, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 11: Ben Zobrist #18 of the Chicago Cubs is tagged out at home plate by by Francisco Cervelli #29 of the Pittsburgh Pirates during the sixth inning at Wrigley Field on April 11, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – APRIL 11: Joe Musgrove #59 of the Pittsburgh Pirates throws a pitch during the third inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on April 11, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – APRIL 11: Joe Musgrove #59 of the Pittsburgh Pirates throws a pitch during the third inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on April 11, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

This starting rotation is really, really good

The starting rotation was touted as the strength of the team entering the 2019 season. Five series into the season, the rotation has lived up to the hype.

Jameson Taillon lasted just 2 innings on Monday, but it was due to the defensive shortcomings of Newman. Despite lasting just 2 innings, Taillon did not allow an earned run in the start.

In 62 1/3 innings pitched this season, which does not include Joe Musgrove’s 2 inning relief outing, Pirate starters own a 1.73 ERA. The starting staff has allowed just six home runs, issued 16 walks, and have struck out 63 batters. Through the first two weeks of the season, the team’s starting rotation ranks in the top 5 in the Majors in ERA, HRs allowed, fewest walks issued, and strikeouts.

Next. Newman Placed On The IL. dark

A strong starting rotation can carry a team. So far this season the Pirate starting rotation has done just that. However, they need the offense to start to produce more and the defense to behind to do its job behind them. No matter how well the starting rotation does if the offense remains inconsistent and the defense poor, this team will not sniff the postseason.