The Pirates have had a lot of problems this season, but two of their biggest headaches led to another loss on Sunday: the failure to drive in a run with the game on the line and a staggering bullpen. Joe Block reports.
Manager Derek Shelton says the Pirates’ hitters didn’t come through with the big hit, especially in the 9th inning.
Shelton liked the effort of Bailey Falter, who went six innings and gave up two runs.
Bailey Falter has altered his approach on the mound this season, using his two-seam fastball more, and he says it’s working.
The Pirates begin a three-game series at NL Central leader Milwaukee tonight. Right-hander Mitch Keller [3-3, 4.41 ERA] is coming off a complete game for the Bucs his last time out. The Brewers counter with righty Colin Rhea [3-0, 3.29 ERA]. It’s a 7:15 airtime, 7:40 first pitch on WCCS.
On The Ben Cherington Show on WCCS yesterday, the Pirates’ general manager said Ke’Bryan Hayes’ history of back troubles caught up with him again last week. Hayes was placed on the 10-day injured list on Saturday with lower back inflammation. Cherington said the team hopes the layoff is “relatively short-term.” He said Hayes feels discomfort more in the batter’s box than in the field.
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