Early-Game Success Critical to Pirates’ Hot Start (+)

PITTSBURGH — It sounds so simple, but it certainly rings true. Jumping out to early leads increases a team’s chances of winning dramatically, just ask the Pittsburgh Pirates.

After putting up five runs in the top of the first inning against the Colorado Rockies in a 14-3 victory on Wednesday afternoon, the Pirates scored four runs in the first on back-to-back homers in their win over the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday.

After scoring runs in the first inning again on Thursday, the Pirates have struck in the first inning in five of their last six games.

Connor Joe opened the scoring against the Reds with a three-run homer into the bullpen. He was immediately followed by a Jack Suwinski solo homer to right field to push the Pirates ahead to an early 4-0 lead.