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

By Marty Leap |
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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