Sunday's 7-2 win in St. Louis against the Cardinals is we will keep watching the 2021 Pittsburgh Pirates.
Yes, the Pirates are 29-47 and yes they are last in the Central Division with no hope of a postseason slump and are the third worst team in baseball, but as you know, the Pirates are in the early stages of rebuilding, so lets enjoy the highlights when they come.
A debuting Max Kranick threw five perfect innings against a formidable Cardinals lineup, a debut that was only hampered by rain.
Kranick struck out three while giving up zero hits and zero walks while a large group of family and friends looked on.
"He was in control of the game the whole time," said manager Derek Shelton after the game. "That's impressive not only for a young pitcher but a pitcher making his major league debut."
Third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes had two hits and made one of the most outstanding players you'll ever see an infielder make.
"I would be hard-pressed to say that's not the play of the year," Shelton said.
Adam Frazier had three hits and Bryan Reynolds had two with two RBI.
While right fielder Gregory Polanco is batting .202 currently and on pace to strike out more than any other time in his career, he continues to show his power, hitting a solo shot. His ninth of the year.
Left fielder Ben Gamel also had a solo shot.
All around it was a great win against a longtime rival with the Bucs taking three of four from the Cardinals.
