The Pirates were desperate to avoid dragging a nine-game losing streak into the All-Star break, and they managed to squeak out a win yesterday in Minnesota. Then last night, they began the next stage in building the future Bucs.
Joe Block recaps a streak-busting win over the Twins.
Manager Don Kelly says Mitch Keller gave them a chance to win, and the Pirates came through in the 9th.
Kelly says the Pirates can put away the first half of the season and start fresh after the All-Star break.
After nine straight road games heading into the All-Star break, the Pirates will come out of the break with nine straight at home, against the White Sox, Tigers, and Diamondbacks, starting on Friday night.
In the opening rounds of the MLB Draft last night, the Pirates took two high school pitchers, followed by two college hitters. Right-hander Seth Hernandez of Corona High School in southern California was the number six overall choice, taken by the Pirates in the first round, and the Bucs followed that by taking right-hander Angel Cervantes, another California high schooler, in the second round. With their competitive balance pick, the Pirates selected slugging Fresno State third baseman Triston “Murf” Gray, and they completed the first day of the draft by taking Oklahoma catcher Easton Carmichael.
General manager Ben Cherington knows the Pirates need help at the plate, but they couldn’t pass on the two pitchers.
Director of amateur scouting Justin Horowitz says top pick Seth Hernandez is an exciting prospect.
Horowitz says Hernandez and Cervantes both have great command, and that’s especially important for young pitchers.
The Washington Nationals selected high school shortstop Eli Willits with the number one overall selection. Rounds four through twenty of the MLB Draft begin today at 11:30 AM.
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