Connect with us

Pirates

Pirates Abysmal With RISP; Keller Sharp But Takes Loss vs. Mets

Published

on

Mitch Keller, pittsburgh pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

The Pittsburgh Pirates continued to struggle with runners in scoring position and let Mitch Keller’s strong start go to waste in a 2-1 loss to the New York Mets at Citi Field on Tuesday night.

How We Got There

The Mets (28-15) jumped ahead 1-0 in the first inning when Brandon Nimmo doubled home Juan Soto with two outs.

After that, Pirates starter Mitch Keller settled down and held New York scoreless until Brett Baty hit an opposite-field sol home run with two outs in the seventh inning.

The Pirates (14-29) had plenty of chances to get a run in but couldn’t find the scoreboard until Henry Davis drew a bases-loaded walk with two outs in the top of the sixth. The run was charged to Kodai Senga, who struck out seven in 5.2 innings in his start for the Mets.

The Pirates had runners on second and third with one out in the ninth but Mets closer Edwin DĂ­az struck out the slumping Bryan Reynolds and got Joey Bart to ground out to end the game.

Key Moment

Not one single moment, but the collective inability to capitalize on opportunities. As a team, the Pirates went a dreadful 0 for 13 with runners in scoring position. That’s almost impossible to do.

Star of the Game

Kodai Senga continued his dominant start to the season.  He allowed one run on six hits in 5.2 innings and struck out seven. The right-hander’s ERA is now 1.22.

Notable Performances

  • Mitch Keller: 7.0 innings, five hits, two runs, one walk, eight strikeouts, 96 pitches/65 strikes
  • Ke’Bryan Hayes: 2 for 4, one triple, one steal
  • Alexander Canario: 2 for 4, one run
  • Adam Frazier: 1 for 3, one double, two walks, one steal

Stat to Know

Keller’s eight strikeouts set a season-high. His eight punch outs were the most he’s had in a start since last season on Sept. 7 in the second game of a doubleheader against the Nationals.

Noteworthy

  • The Pirates have now scored four or fewer runs in 19-straight games, extending their franchise record.
  • Oneil Cruz (lower back) was held out of the lineup for a third-straight game.

Up Next

The Pirates will try and avoid the sweep on Wednesday night with LHP Bailey Falter (2-3, 4.36 ERA) on the mound. Former Pirate reliever turned starter RHP Clay Holmes (5-1, 2.74 ERA) will start for the Mets. First pitch: 7:10 p.m. ET.

PBN in your Inbox

Enter your email address to get all of our posts sent directly to your inbox.

Copyright © 2024 National Hockey Now. All rights reserved. In no way endorsed by the Pittsburgh Pirates or Major League Baseball.

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (PA/IL) or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN only) or 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA only) or 1-800-522-4700 (CO Only) or TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789.

21 plus Responsible Gaming