Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: 2022 Draft Pick Has Strong Low-A Debut & More

Strong Low-A debut from Jack Brannigan highlights Bradenton’s victory

Saturday night saw the Pittsburgh Pirates Low-A affiliate, the Bradenton Marauders, defeated the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels 9-6. The victory improved the Marauders to two games over .500 on the season at 51-49.

Jack Brannigan was selected out of Notre Dame as a two-way player in last month’s draft. Making his Low-A debut, he started at third base for the Marauders on Saturday and went 2-for-4 with a walk. Brannigan also launched a home run, as well as stealing two bases and scoring a pair of runs.

It was also a big game or shortstop and leadoff hitter Tsung-Che Cheng who went 2-for-4 with a walk, a RBI, a run scored, his 16th double of the season and his 6th triple. Right fielder Rodolfo Nolasco was 1-for-3 with a RBI. Jase Bowen hit a two-run home run in the 8th inning, his 14th of the season.

2020 first-round pick Nick Gonzales made a rehab start with Bradenton as he begins to work his way back from a foot injury. Gonzales was 0-for-3, but drew a walk and drove in a run. Outfielder Lolo Sanchez, another player who began the season with Altoona but is currently on the minor league injured list, also made a rehab start for the Marauders on Saturday and went 2-for-5, scoring a run and driving a run in.

Joelvis Del Rosario started for the Marauders and allowed 2 runs, but only 1 of which was earned in 5 innings pitched. Del Rosario allowed seven hits, walked a batter and struck out three. Quietly, Del Rosario has put together one of the most consistent seasons among Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitching prospects. Del Rosario has pitched 62.1 innings in 14 games, 13 starts, posting a 3.61 ERA.

Grant Ford followed Del Rosario. In 1.1 innings pitched he allowed a pair of runs on a hit, two walks and a strikeout. Yunior Thibo allowed 2 runs on two hits, a walk, a home run and three strikeouts in 1.2 innings pitched. Mitchell Miller