PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Some don’t like the term walk-off saying it doesn’t best describe a victory in the last at bat. Tuesday night, it’s the term to most accurately describe Bryan Reynolds taking four straight pitches with the bases loaded for a third consecutive Bucs victory, 2-1 over the Braves.
The inning really set up by pinch-hitter and AA second baseman Rodolfo Castro’s fourth major league at bat. The leadoff hitter in the ninth, Castro got behind 1-2 and worked Tyler Matzek for a walk.
“Swung at a ball over his head, he was a little anxious,” said manager Derek Shelton. “He calmed himself down. You watch him through the rest of the at bat. You watch him when he walks and how confident he was, which was really cool to see.”
“I’ve seen him in the last few years in the minor leagues,” said rookie Ke’Bryan Hayes. “He’s a really good hitter with a big league approach. He’s been crushing the ball in Double A. He wasn’t phased when he fell behind.”
After Castro’s walk, a single by Adam Frazier, walk to Hayes and Reynolds with his second career walk-off result, first by walk. Shelton said he didn’t have to say anything to Reynolds about how wild Matzek was.
“I trust Bryan Reynolds and think he’s going to make really good decisions,” Shelton said. “He was very patient. Didn’t get a ball near the zone. If he would have, he would have taken a good swing at it.”
Kuhl Outing
Chad Kuhl allowed only a run for the third time in his last four starts. A home run by Orlando Arcia in the fifth the only dent as the right-hander allowed three other hits over six innings with no walks and seven strikeouts.
“I felt really good,” Kuhl said. “From a strike throwing perspective, fastball command. Felt like it was all there today. I was able to throw both breaking balls, use the change-up late in the game. Felt really good out there.”
“Chad came out and filled up the zone,” Shelton said. “Slider was good, fastball was really good. He was outstanding.”
Since returning from the injured list on May 31, Kuhl has lowered his ERA nearly 2 runs, down to 4.73 and the WHIP from 1.79 to 1.38. It was only the second game this year where he didn’t walk a batter.
“That’s just been my issue this year,” Kuhl said. “No way around it. It’s not like I’ve been hit hard or giving up three-run homers every outing. It’s just my own problem with walks. Walks have been my issue and it feels really good to attack the zone and execute when you are down in the count and not give up free passes.”
Injuries
Pirates placed Gregory Polanco on the 10-day injured list with a Bilateral Adductor Strain and Phillip Evans on the 7-day concussion IL. Tuesday the Bucs recalling infielder and potentially outfielder Cole Tucker and Castro from AA.
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Keller impresses
Mitch Keller gave up a pair of hits in five scoreless innings with no walks and four strikeouts for AAA Indianapolis Tuesday night. The Indians would lose the game 1-0 to Columbus.
Since being sent to the minors, Keller pitched 14.2 innings, 1.84 ERA, 11 hits, 5 runs, 3 earned runs, 4 walks and 16 strikeouts. Before demotion, the 25-year-old righty was 3-7 with the Pirates, a 7.04 ERA, 29 walks to 51 strikeouts.
Martin goes yard again, twice
Pirates top power prospect and top first base prospect Mason Martin hit a pair of home runs and drove in 5 in a 12-9 AA Altoona win over Akron Tuesday. The lefty-hitter now leads the AA Northeastern League in home runs with 15 and RBI with 45.
Up Next
Pirates close the three-game series and the home stand with a 12:35p first pitch on NewsRadio KDKA 100.1 FM and AM 1020. RHP Wil Crowe (1-5, 6.26 ERA) against LHP Drew Smyly (6-3, 4.42 ERA). Bucs are hitting .220 with 14 HR against lefties this year in 730 plate appearances.