Pittsburgh Pirates: Pinch Hitters Come Through& Other Takeaways From Sweep Of Padres

PITTSBURGH, PA - JUNE 23: Kevin Newman #27 of the Pittsburgh Pirates is mobbed by teammates after drawing a bases loaded walk off walk in the eleventh inning during the game against the San Diego Padres at PNC Park on June 23, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - JUNE 23: Kevin Newman #27 of the Pittsburgh Pirates is mobbed by teammates after drawing a bases loaded walk off walk in the eleventh inning during the game against the San Diego Padres at PNC Park on June 23, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
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PITTSBURGH, PA – JUNE 19: Francisco Liriano #47 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches against the Detroit Tigers during inter-league play at PNC Park on June 19, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – JUNE 19: Francisco Liriano #47 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches against the Detroit Tigers during inter-league play at PNC Park on June 19, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

It was not a good weekend for Francisco Liriano

There was a lot of good this weekend for the Pirates. After all, they did sweep a good Padres team. This swept included overcoming a 3-run deficit in both the 9th and 11th innings on Sunday. However, it was not all good.

For most of the weekend, the pitching staff was excellent. On Friday Joe Musgrove allowed just 1 run in 7 innings of work, then Kyle Crick and Felipe Vazquez each followed with a scoreless inning. On Saturday, after Chris Archer allowed 1 run in 5 innings of work the bullpen followed with 4 strong innings. Sunday, however, the bullpen hit some turbulence. Although, the 2 runs charged to Clay Holmes would not have happened with better defense.

The one blemish on the pitching staff this weekend? Lefty reliever Francisco Liriano. In his return to the Burgh Liriano has been terrific this season. However, it was not a good weekend for Filthy Franky.

On Saturday, Liriano allowed a run on two hits and a walk in his 1 inning of work. Sunday, he inherited a 7-7 game in the top of the 11th inning. He loaded the bases with no one out and damn near got out of it, but wound up surrendering back-to-back two out hits to get tagged for 3 runs.

Despite his rough weekend, there is no reason to worry about Liriano. At least not yet. His ERA on the season remains a cool 2.87. While his 4.18 FIP indicates he is due for some regression, the main reason his FIP is over 4 is due to a 11.7% walk rate this season. While his walk rate is higher than you would like, his 22.4% strikeout rate helps him overcome most of these walks.

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