Pittsburgh Pirates: Mitch Keller Shelled as Bucs Drop 5th Game in a Row

Folks, the Pittsburgh Pirates just might screw around a find a way to lose 100 games for a third straight season

The implosion of the 2023 Pittsburgh Pirates continues. Following a 10-1 loss against the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday night the Pirates are now 0-5 since the All-Star Break. Dating back to before the break they are 2-12 in their last 14 games.

There really is not much to say right now. The Pirate offense stinks, the pitching is struggling mightily, and they're not playing good defense. On June 11th the Pirates were first place in the National League Central, they are 7-24 since then to fall to 41-54 on the season, putting them in last place in the NL Central 11 games out of first place.

Woof.

Mitch Keller gets shelled

Throughout the season Mitch Keller has been one of the best, most consistent starting pitchers in the National League. Well, even the best starters have blow-up starts from time to time. Tuesday night was one of those starts for Keller.

The first time All-Star made his first start since the All-Star Break and things immediately went south for Keller. The first five batters of the game reached base, including a Josh Naylor home run. By the time the 1st inning dust settled it was 5-0 Guardians.

Things only got worse for Keller who would allow a home run to ex-Pirate Josh Bell. All told, Keller allowed a season-high 8 runs on 10 hits, two walks, and the two home runs in 6 innings pitched. One of the best strikeout pitchers in baseball, Keller struck out just one batter while generating just five swings-and-misses.

Hopefully this start proves to be nothing more than a blip on the radar for Keller. With the current state of the team you feel like the only time they have an opportunity to win is if Keller starts and pitches like an ace.

Offense continues to suck

Connor Joe hit a solo home run, his 7th of the season, outside of this it was a miserable day for the Pirate offense.

The Pirates had just four hits outside of Joe's home run, while Henry Davis drew the lone walk of the game. Endy Rodriguez went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts and is now 0-for-7 with six strikeouts in his big league career. Liover Peguero was also 0-for-3 with three strikeouts and has struck out in four straight at-bats. Jared Triolo did record a hit to extend his hitting streak to 11 games.

Next up

Rich Hill (4.76 ERA, 4.39 FIP) will start for the Pirates as they look to avoid being swept on Wednesday. Cleveland will send righty Aaron Civale (2.65 ERA, 3.80 FIP) to the mound. First pitch from PNC Park is scheduled for 12:35 PM ET.