The Pirates won their fourth straight Grapefruit League game, 6-3 over the Braves at LECOM Park, behind some solid pitching and consistent, timely hitting. After winning just 3 games a year ago before the shutdown, the Bucs are now 12-10-1.
On The Mound
JT Brubaker pitched a 1-hitter – against the Atlanta hitters who are not named Austin Riley. Riley hit a solo home run in the first inning then a 2-run shot in the fourth. Other than that, Brubaker was excellent, giving up one single and one walk while striking out 6. He is the first Pirates pitcher to complete 5 innings this spring.
“The one thing that really stood out,” according to manager Derek Shelton, “the second time around he gave up the 4-pitch walk, gives up the homer then bounces back and comes right back in the zone. Good signs.”
Clay Holmes, who is not on the 40-man roster, continued his strong bid to make the bullpen with another scoreless outing, retiring the side on just 6 pitches in the top of the eighth. Holmes hasn’t allowed a run in 8 appearances. Ticks
“The thing that stands out the most is the ability to execute the fastball in the zone,” Shelton said. “Obviously, the velo is back and is throwing some good breaking balls but fastball in the zone is something we’ve identified and he’s done a nice job of that.”
At The Plate
Newman, who batted 7th today, went 2-for-2 with a sacrifice fly to raise his average to .727. Since Frazier’s HR was his only hit, his average dipped to .563. Hayes is hitting .450 after going 2-for-3.
Gregory Polanco was only 1-for-3 but hit the ball sharply each time, including an RBI double in the Bucs’ 3-run 6th inning.
Last year’s first round draft pick Nick Gonzales banged a line drive off the fence along the left field boardwalk in the eighth inning for his first home run. “I’d seen video of him hitting in college and it was very similar to that. I was hoping we’d get a smile out of him but we didn’t,” Shelton smiled.
Cutting Crew
Meanwhile, the Bucs continue to trim the training camp roster. This morning they optioned 3 players – infielder Cole Tucker, their first round pick in 2014, along with pitchers Sean Poppen and Miguel Yajure – and reassigned 4 others – catchers Andrew Susac and Joe Hudson, outfielder Troy Stokes, Jr., and another former first round pick, first baseman Will Craig.
After the game, they reassigned left-handed pitcher Braeden Ogle and outfielder Hunter Owen to minor league camp.
Shelton Shirt of the Day
Shelton rocked a PACE t-shirt - “The PACE Center for girls provides girls and young women who are struggling from trauma an opportunity for a better future. I have two daughters so I love this one.”