PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Coming off a pair of starts that had people whispering if not flat out talking about Mitch Keller, the 28-year-old righty gave up two earned runs in a 7-4 series opening win against Detroit. The Pirates continue to have the best record in the National League at 9-2.
Keller struck out a season-high nine where his fastball matched the velocity of last year. His control wasn’t perfect walking three, one came home to score, but threw 60 of 98 pitches for strikes over six innings, allowing five hits and a pair of runs.
"It felt really good,” Keller said. “I felt really good out there. It felt really good to just have some velo back. I don't want to walk too many guys, but I was happy overall with how it went."
Keller had 13 swings and misses and got a fastball up to 96.9.
"I mean obviously I think he got stronger as the game went on,” said Pirates manager Derek Shelton. “Early on he was struggling with his command a little bit but he continued to get stronger and execute pitches and velo ticked up. The curveball was as sharp as we've seen it. He did a really good job with it. But overall after that first inning I thought he threw the ball really well."
Keller didn’t throw many cutters, he said that was the game plan for Detroit, plus they were getting good looks with the sinker. He said there was no plan to just stop throwing cutters regardless.
Pirates starters have gone at least five innings in every start this month.
100
Bryan Reynolds hit the only Pirates homer, his 100th of his career. He is one of 24 to hit 100 with the Bucs joining Garrett Jones.
“Yeah, feels good,” Reynolds said. “Happy to get it out of the way.”
Asked if he was aware he had 99 previously?
“Very aware,” Reynolds said. “Me and Patrick (Kurish, Pirates media relations) have been talking about it since last year. Knocked it out.”
"Getting back on track,” Shelton said. “He had better at bats today. But you know, I think it was inevitable he was going to get to 100. It's just a matter of seeing better swings today. It's very important for the function of our lineup."
Next on the list are Bob Robertson and Donn Clendenon with 106. Andrew McCutchen was inches from number 216 as a Pirate and 300th of his career with a 348-foot shot off the Clemente Wall in right. Willie Stargell is the all-time Pirates home run leader with 475.
Bottom 3
Before the Reynolds solo homer in the sixth inning, all of the RBIs came from the bottom three of the order-Connor Joe, Jared Triolo and catcher Joey Bart.
“That’s how it’s been since the season started, top to bottom working at-bats and doing the little things,” Reynolds said. “Showed up tonight. Just keep it going.”
"There's definitely a balance to that,” Shelton said. “I think as we've talked about, we want to get back to Cruz, Reynolds, Hayes as much as possible. Joey with a big at bat today. We took advantage of the bag in the middle of the field but that ball was hit hard and even the runner at second and third, Triolo hit the ball right on the screws and Connor Joe continues to just have really good at bats."
Eclipse
While the team was going through infield practice starting around 3p, several players and coaches took interest in a solar eclipse, which the direct path was two hours from Pittsburgh. Even though starting pitchers can be routine heavy, Keller was among the most enthusiastic. He said he really got into all stuff space while in the minor leagues, quipping you have a lot of free time on your hands between starts.
"Yeah, I feel like Bill Nye the Science Guy now,” Shelton said. “I went into it not thinking much about it, but it was pretty cool once I put the glasses on. It was pretty neat to see, and I know it happens only once over 25 years or whatever.”
“My oldest went to Texas with some people and watched it. And he sent me a video of the full eclipse, which was pretty weird to see because the whole screen went black. So, it was cool."
Up Next
The Pirates wrap up the first homestand of the season with a 12:35 first pitch against the Tigers. LHP Martin Perez makes his third start of the season, 1-0, 2.45 ERA against RHP Casey Mize (0-0, 6.23 ERA). Paul Alexander starts the North Shore Tavern Leadoff Show presented by Pella Windows at 11:35a on 100.1 FM and AM 1020, KDKA.