Pittsburgh Pirates: Three Takeaways From Series Win In Anaheim

Another promising start from Chris Archer

On Wednesday night, Chris Archer turned in a third consecutive encouraging start. Archer’s struggles this season have been well documented. However, he may be starting to turn his dreadful 2019 season around.

Archer lasted just 5 innings in his Wednesday night start and allowed 4 runs. However, only 3 of these runs were earned. All 4 runs were scored in a 35 pitch 4th inning, and that inning’s woes were not completely his doing as a Bryan Reynolds error played a major role as well.

If not for the error, Archer would have only allowed 3 runs in the inning. He also may have been able to go back out for the 6th inning, which would have made it three straight starts of 6 innings pitched.

In this start Archer struck out 10 batters and did not allow a home run. This marks the first time since joining the Pirates last summer that he has gone three consecutive starts without allowing a home run.

Archer has now pitched 17 innings in his last three starts. In these 17 innings he owns a 3.18 ERA, he’s walked just four batters, and he has struck out 25.

Hopefully, this is the start of Archer getting back on track. While the Pirates have nothing left to play for this season, getting Archer back on track would still be great to see. It would also change the outlook for 2020 some.