Pittsburgh Pirates: Grading the Series Split Against the Reds

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 04: Anthony Alford #6 of the Pittsburgh Pirates celebrates with Gregory Polanco #25 and Bryan Reynolds #10 after the final out of 4-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds during game two of a doubleheader at PNC Park on September 4, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 04: Anthony Alford #6 of the Pittsburgh Pirates celebrates with Gregory Polanco #25 and Bryan Reynolds #10 after the final out of 4-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds during game two of a doubleheader at PNC Park on September 4, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 03: Richard Rodriguez #48 of the Pittsburgh Pirates celebrates with John Ryan Murphy #18 after the final out in a 6-2 win over the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park on September 3, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 03: Richard Rodriguez #48 of the Pittsburgh Pirates celebrates with John Ryan Murphy #18 after the final out in a 6-2 win over the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park on September 3, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

The Bullpen

Friday evening and into the night, the Pittsburgh Pirates got excellent work out of their bullpen. In the double header, the bullpen allowed two hits, walked a pair and struck out four in 5.2 scoreless innings of work.

Saturday night, the Pirate bullpen continued their strong work. Derek Holland pitched 2 innings, he did not walk a batter, he struck out three, and the lone hit he allowed was a solo home run. Kyle Crick then followed with a scoreless 9th inning, which included a strikeout. While Crick’s velocity continues to be down, his spin rates remain high giving his pitches plenty of movement.

Sunday afternoon the great bullpen work continued. Geoff Hartlieb struck out a pair in 2 scoreless innings of work, and this was followed by a 1-2-3 inning from Sam Howard. Chris Stratton then fired a scoreless 7th inning. Nik Turley and Richard Rodriguez each pitched a scorless inning as well.

The Verdict

Over the weekend the Pittsburgh Pirates got terrific work from their bullpen. In 14.2 innings of work, the bullpen allowed just 1 run on four hits, six walks, a home run, and 13 strikeouts. You can not ask for better than that.

Grade: A+

Schedule