Pirates

Pirates Preview: Domingo Germán Gets First Start in Rubber Match

Published

10 months ago

August 21, 2024

Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates, Andrew Heaney

The Pittsburgh Pirates bounced back after dropping the series opener with a 4-0 shutout win over the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night.

Mitch Keller earned his first win in over a month after tossing seven-shutout innings and Bryan De La Cruz ripped a two-run single to lift Pittsburgh to a win.

The Pirates (59-66) will look to take the series against the Rangers (58-69) as right-hander Domingo Germán makes his first start in the black and gold.

First pitch is set for 2:35 ET and the game will be aired on SportsNet Pittsburgh.

Weather

Globe Life Field is protected by a roof so weather won’t be a factor.

The Pittsburgh Pirates Will Send Out RHP Domingo Germán (0-0, 3.00 ERA)

Germán has made three relief appearances with the Pirates since he was selected from Triple-A Indianapolis on Aug. 9.

In total, Germán has logged six innings and allowed three runs on two hits, three walks and four strikeouts. He also hit a pair of batters in his last appearance on Saturday at PNC Park.

Germán has relied primarily on his four-seam fastball with the Pirates. He also throws a heavy dosage of curveballs, a changeup and the occasional sinker.

In three previous starts against Texas, Germán is 1-2 with a 6.00 ERA.

The Texas Rangers Will Send Out LHP Andrew Heaney (4-13, 4.20 ERA)

Heaney hasn’t pitched as poorly this season as his dreadful record would indicate. In addition to his ERA, he supports a 4.08 FIP on the year.

With that being said, it’s been a struggle for Heaney of late. Over his last five starts, he is 0-3 with a 6.66 ERA (18er/24.1ip).

Heaney is a fastball pitcher and also features a slider and changeup while mixing in a curveball every once in a while.

He has yet to face the Pirates, the only team he’s never pitched against.

Rangers Hitters vs. Germán

Marcus Semien: 6 for 16, two doubles, one home run, three RBIs, one walk, two strikeouts
Robbie Grossman: 2 for 6, one home run, one RBI, two walks, three strikeouts
Nathaniel Lowe: 1 for 6, two walks
Adolis García: 1 for 5, one strikeout
Jonah Heim: 2 for 4, one home run, one RBI, one strikeout
Corey Seager: 0 for 3, one strikeout

Pirates Hitters vs. Heaney

Isiah Kiner-Falefa: 5 for 21, one double, two RBIs, two walks, two strikeouts
Michael A. Taylor: 4 for 9, two home runs, two RBIs, three strikeouts
Yasmani Grandal: 2 for 6, one walk, one strikeout
Bryan De La Cruz: 1 for 5, one strikeout
Rowdy Tellez: 1 for 5, one home run, three RBIs, two strikeouts
Joey Bart: 0 for 4, two strikeouts

Tidbits

Mitch Keller struck out nine batters on Tuesday which matched his season-high. Keller struck out nine against the Detroit Tigers in April.
Oneil Cruz finished 2 for 3 with a triple, an RBI, a stolen base and an intentional walk. He’s reached base safely in 12-straight games.
While Cruz’s streak continued, Joey Bart’s 16-game on-base streak ended with an 0 for 4 night. t was the second-longest streak by a Pirate this season.