Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: Pitchers Struggle in First Start at New Levels

Altoona Curve starting pitcher Kyle Nicolas throws against the Akron RubberDucks during the first
Altoona Curve starting pitcher Kyle Nicolas throws against the Akron RubberDucks during the first / Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK
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Kyle Nicolas made his first start at Triple-A and Anthony Solometo his first start at Double-A. Both Pittbsurgh Pirates prospects struggled in their debuts at their new levels.

Earlier this week the Pittsburgh Pirates moved a pair of pitching prospects up a level. On Saturday, they each made their debtus at their new levels. Unfortunately for Kyle Nicolas, things did not go well in a 6-3 loss for the Indianapolis Indians. With the loss the Indians are now 29-37 on the season.

In his Triple-A debut, Nicolas allowed 5 runs on eight hits, two walks, a home run, and six strikeouts in 4 innings pitched. While he had pitched better lately, overall, Nicolas struggled at Double-A before his promotion to Indy. So, seeing Nicolas struggle in his first start at the new level should not be a total surprise.

As for the Indy offense, Nick Gonzales was 0-for-2 with a walk, a run scored, and a RBI. Miguel Andújar was 2-for-4 with his 16th double of the season, a run scored, and a RBI. Canaan Smith-Njigba was 1-for-4, Jared Triolo was 0-for-3 with a walk, and Alika Williams was 1-for-3.

Henry Davis also continued to prove he should be in the majors. Starting in right field, Davis was 1-for-3 with a double and a walk. In 232 plate appearances between Triple-A and Dobule-A, Davis is hitting for a .284/.433/.541 slash line this season. It's time.

Anthony Solometo labors in Double-A debut

At just 20-years-old left-handed pitcher Anthony Solometo is one of the youngest players in the Eastern League. He made is Double-A debut with the Curve on Saturday, but struggled in an 8-1 oss that dropped the Curve to 31-29 on the season.

Solometo pitched 5 innings for the Curve, allowing 4 runs on six hits and a home run. Only 2 of the 4 runs allowed by Solometo were earned, he walked just one batter and struck out seven. Even though Solometo allowed a pair of unearned runs, they were due to a throwing error he commited. Solometo threw 48 pf 78 pitches for strikes and induced six ground ball outs.

Although Solometo struggled some in his Double-A debut there were still plenty of encouraging signs, such as issuing just one walk while striking out seven. Following Solometo's development the rest of the season at Double-A will be worth monitoring.

As for the Curve lineup, they recorded just three hits. Matt Fraizer was 2-for-2 with a double, two walks, and a run scored. Matt Gorski was 1-for-4 with a triple and a RBI. The rest of the lineup was 0-for-23 with two walks.

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