Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: Jhonny Severino, Lonnie White Jr. Stay Hot & More

Errors burn FCL Pirates in 1-run loss

While the FCL Pirates have been the best team in the Florida Complex League this season, they played a sloppy game on Thursday afternoon that resulted in a loss. The FCL Pirates fell to the FCL Braves 5-4, with a pair of errors contributing to each of the Brave runs. With the loss, the Pirates are now 28-13 this season.

Recently acquired Jhonny Severino is off to a strong start with the FCL Pirates. That continued on Thursday afternoon when he drove in Eddy Rodriguez with an infield single in the 1st inning, giving the Pirates an early 1-0 lead. Severino finished the game 1-for-2 with a walk. Since joining the Pirates, Severino is 3-for-11 with a home run, a walk, two stolen bases, two RBI, and he's had a hit in each of his three games.

The FCL offense used their speed and being aggressive on the bases to add on in the 2nd inning. After drawing a walk, Jeral Toledo stole second base. Braylon Bishop also drew a walk, one of three on the day, and then stole second base as Toledo stole home as part of a double steal. This made the score 2-0 Pirates. Toledo finished the game 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles, two stolen bases, and a walk.

Luigi Hernandez started on the mound and pitched 3 scoreless innings. He allowed just two hits, threw two wild pitches, and struck out five. Antwone Kelly followed Hernandez, putting together an up-and-down outing.

Kelly started by pitching a scoreless 4th inning. Then, he was hurt by a Kelvin Diaz error in the 5th inning which led to 3 unearned runs scored before striking out a pair in a 1-2-3 6th inning. Kelly allowed back-to-back singles to start the 7th inning. After striking out the next batter, both runners on base advanced via an Axiel Plaz throwing error on a pick off attempt. After allowing a 2-run double to put the Braves in the lead, Kelly was pulled.

Overall, Kelly allowed seven hits, walked a pair, and struck out four in 3.1 innings pitched. He allowed 5 runs, but only 2 of the 5 were earned. Gilberto Alcala retired the final five Brave batters of the game in 1.2 perfect innings of relief.