Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: Two Strong Starts, Big Night for AA Middle Infield

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 29: Roansy Contreras #59 of the Pittsburgh Pirates makes his Major League debut against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park on September 29, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 29: Roansy Contreras #59 of the Pittsburgh Pirates makes his Major League debut against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park on September 29, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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Apr 14, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Roansy Contreras (59) throws the ball against the Washington Nationals at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 14, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Roansy Contreras (59) throws the ball against the Washington Nationals at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports /

A pair of strong starting pitching performances, a big night from the Double-A middle infield and more in Saturday’s Pittsburgh Pirates minor league roundup

For the top farm club of the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians, it was a 9th inning rally that carried them to victory on Saturday. With a 2 spot in the 9th inning the Indians rallied to defeat the Iowa Cubs 4-3, improving to 12-10 on the season.

Roansy Contreras started for the Indians and showed why he is Pittsburgh’s top pitching prospect. In 3 innings pitched Contreras walked 3 batters, but he limited the Cubs to just 1 while not allowing a run. Contreras also struck out 5.

Austin Brice, Trey McGough and Cristofer Melendez combined to allow 3 hits, walk 2 batters and strikeout 5 in 4.1 scoreless innings of relief. This came after Matt Eckelman allowed 3 runs on 3 hits and a walk in 1.2 innings pitched.

Offensively, Canaan Smith-Njigba was the star for the Indians. The left-handed hitting outfielder led of the 9th inning with a solo home run, he also drew a pair of walks. Rodolfo Castro was 2-for-4 with his 6th double of the season. Mason Martin, Hunter Owen and Brendt Citta each drove in a run for the Indians as well.