The Pirates have refused to back down against the defending World Series champs, taking the first two games of their three-game series, and last night doing it with the long ball and some clutch pitching. Here’s Joe Block.
Manager Donnie Kelly admired the work of catcher Joey Bart, at the plate and behind the plate.
Bryan Reynolds liked the way Braxton Ashcraft battled through a tough three innings of work.
Ashcraft threw only three innings but survived without giving up a run despite loading the bases with no outs in the second inning.
It’s a Skenes Night tonight, and a great pitching matchup for the series finale. The Pirates’ Paul Skenes [9-9, 2.05 ERA] faces two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell [3-3, 2.41 ERA]. Airtime is 6:15, first pitch at 6:40 on WCCS.
INJURY NEWS
Pitcher Jared Jones has been cleared to begin a light throwing program after his elbow surgery, and remains on track for a return to play in spring training, which falls within the ten to twelve months originally predicted after the injury.
Reliever Justin Lawrence is close to a return to the big leagues as he continues his rehab at Indianapolis. Jack Suwinski is working out again as he recovers from a groin injury. Outfielder Ronnie Simon will need surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder and Enmanuel Valdez has had his return to hitting delayed after his shoulder surgery in favor of more strengthening.
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