Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: Big Day in the FCL For Esmerlyn Valdez, Jack Brannigan's 1st High-A HR, & More

Esmerlyn Valdez had a four-hit day in the FCL, Jack Brannigan hit his first home run at High-A, and more in today's Pittsburgh Pirates minor league roundup

Thursday night's Pittsburgh Pirates minor league action saw the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians fall to the Louisville Bats 9-6. With the loss, the Indians are now 46-52 on the season. This game was supposed to include the start of a rehab assignment for Ke'Bryan Hayes, however, shortly before first pitch he was scratched from the lineup.

Rodolfo Castro served as the team's designated hitter, going 1-for-5 with two runs scored. Chris Owings started in center field going 1-for-5 with a run scored and a RBI, shortstop Vinny Capra was 1-for-4.

Miguel Andújar started in left field going 3-for-5. Andújar hit his 12th home run of the season, scored twice and drove in a pair of runs. Domingo Leyba was 2-for-5 with a double and a RBI, Jason Delay also had a pair of hits including a double.

Andre Jackson started for Indy, allowing 2 runs while striking out five in 4 innings pitched. Lefty Kent Emanuel allowed 3 runs on four hits, a home run, a walk, and three strikeouts in 2 innings pitched. Travis MacGregor allowed 3 runs on four hits and a alk while getting the first two outs of the 7th inning, John O'Reilly then struck out two while retiring all four batters he faced. Hunter Stratton allowed a run in the 9th inning.