PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) - A 2-run Double by Francisco Cervelli and RBI Single's by Pablo Reyes and J.B Shuck in the 1st inning was all the Pirates needed offensively to go with 6 shutout innings from Starting Pitcher Jordan Lyles as the Pirates defeat the San Francisco Giants 4-1 Friday night at PNC Park.
Cervelli has faced some struggles at the plate over the past couple weeks, but was able to get the big hit with two outs in the 1st inning against Madison Bumgarner.
Lyles talked about being able to settle in after the double play to end the Giants half of the second inning.
Injuries were a story of the night as Outfielder Starling Marte and Shortstop Erik Gonzalez collided with each other going for a flyball in the 8th inning. Gonzalez walked off the field with a little help from the trainor and Marte was carted off the field.
The Pirates have faced a lot of adversity in the first month of the season, especially with injuries to key players in the lineup, but they seem to be embracing the next man up mentality.
"We really just try to play team ball and unfortunately injuries are apart of it and you never want to see anybody go down and especially tonight was a tough one, they (Gonzalez and Marte) were (going) full speed," said Outfielder J.B Shuck.
"We've been doing it here for years and it's the next man up," said Hurdle. "It's a program we have all throughout our system and guys are expecting to come out here to fit it and fold in and play. We always look for opportunity, production and execution. It's not easy by anymeans, your depth is being challenged right now, but I like the way that our men have just continued to focus on who is availavle, who is playing the game and who's going out their pitching."
Jameson Taillon takes the mound for the Pirates in Game 2 of the series Saturday afternoon at 4:05 pm against Derek Holland and the San Francisco Giants.