Talk about making a good first impression! Oneil Cruz and Bligh Madris last night made dazzling debuts for the Pirates as the team blasted the Cubs at PNC Park.
Joe Block has the story.
Pirates manager Derek Shelton is enjoying the new experience of managing the Bucs’ young prospects.
Shelton and bench coach Donnie Kelley were amazed at Cruz’s throw to first on a backhand play in the third inning, which was clocked at 96.7 miles per hour, the fastest throw in the Major Leagues this year and second-fastest throw by a fielder ever recorded.
Shelton was happy for JT Brubaker, whose 0-7 record the manager says was deceiving.
To make room on the roster for Cruz and Madris, the Pirates sent shortstop Liover Peguero back to Altoona, which was expected, and placed pitcher Zach Thompson on the 10-day injured list, which was not expected. Thompson has inflammation of a right forearm nerve.
For tonight’s second game of the four-game series, the Pirates will send rookie right-hander Roansy Contreras (1-1, 3.06 ERA) to the mound. He battles Cubs’ righty Matt Swarmer (1-2, 5.23 ERA). 6:40 airtime on WCCS.
ALTOONA CURVE
Altoona starts a six-game series in New Hampshire tonight. The Curve have not announced their starting pitcher.
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