Pirates Prospect Watch: Swaggerty Cashes in During Double Header, Gorski Homers

It was the busiest day in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ minor league organization so far this year as Double-A Altoona kicked off their season while Triple-A Indianapolis played a doubleheader. Several of the top Pirates’ prospects made their season debuts including 2021 first-overall pick Henry Davis with the Curve.

Indianapolis picked up their first two wins of the season by taking both games of the doubleheader against the Louisville Bats, but the Curve came up short in their season opener.

With three games in the books, there’s plenty to highlight. Let’s look at Thursday’s top performers.

Indianapolis Indians (2-4)

OF Travis Swaggerty

• Game stats (doubleheader): 4 for 7, one triple, one home run, one RBI, three runs
• Season stats: .292/.346/.583, two doubles, one triple, one home run, one RBI, six games

RHP Luis Ortiz

• Game stats (game one): 4.2 innings, three hits, one earned run, one walk, seven strikeouts
• Season stats: 0-0, 1.08 ERA, 1er/8.1ip, four hits, four walks, 11 strikeouts, two appearances/two starts

Swaggerty shined for the Indians with four hits including his first home run of the season. Ortiz, one of the top pitchers among Pirates’ prospects, turned in a strong performance on the mound but was one out shy of getting rewarded with a win.

Nick Gonzales went 2 for 3 in the second game of the double header and drew a walk in the first game. Right-handers Osvaldo Bido and Cody Bolton combined for five scoreless innings, only two hits and five strikeouts. Bolton was credited with the win.

Altoona Curve (0-1)

OF Matt Gorski

• Game stats: 2 for 3, one home run, one RBI, one run, one walk, one HBP
• Season stats: .667/.800/1.667, one home run, one RBI, one game

C Henry Davis

• Game stats: 1 for 3, one walk, one HBP
• Season stats: .333/.600/.333, one game

Gorksi’s home run wasn’t enough for the Curve as they were defeated by the New Hampshire Fisher Cats 8-2. Davis was on base three times and as has often quite often, was hit by another pitch.

Mason Martin doubled for his first hit of the season and came around to score on a Connor Scott double. Liover Peguero went 1 for 4 with a walk.

Pirates’ prospect Kyle Nicolas was the starter for the Curve and had some mixed results. In 4.2 innings, he only allowed one hit and struck out five, but he walked four and was tagged for three earned runs.

NOTE: High-A Greensboro and Low-A Bradenton both begin their seasons on Friday.