Pirates Series Takeaways: Speedy Griffin, Offense By Committee
The Pirates (46-45) took two out of three against the Nationals in Washington, posting a 4-3 record through the first third of their 22-game stretch against teams at or above .500. While they entered play four games behind the St. Louis Cardinals for the National League’s third and final Wild Card spot, the Pirates are managing to tread water without key pieces like Spencer Horwitz and Oneil Cruz.
Their offensive consistency, young stars like Konnor Griffin and — dare I say it? — a positive step for their bullpen all stood out as they claimed their series against the Nationals. Here are three observations from the series in Washington.
No All-Stars? No Problem
The Pirates have one of the best offenses in baseball this season, but none of their position players earned a spot in the All-Star Game.
“We have the third-most runs in baseball, but I mean, our offense is just a buzzsaw. No one wants to face us. I think it’s pretty easy to make the case for Bryan [Reynolds] and Brandon [Lowe] and I think there are others too,” said Paul Skenes, the club’s lone All-Star, of the snub. “Couple guys got hurt that would be All-Stars too, I think in Oneil [Cruz] and Spencer [Horwitz]. There’s still time, who knows.”
Even without any All-Stars, the Pirates’ batters keep the line moving and the runs come pouring in. They didn’t manage any extra base hits on Saturday, July 4, plating seven runs on the strength of 11 singles and three walks. Canny baserunning helped them rattle Nationals’ starter Cade Cavalli on July 5 and — with all due respect to Bryan Reynolds and Brandon Lowe — the Pirates’ committee approach is working for them.
Bullpen Back in it?
Outside of Isaac Mattson’s struggles on July 3 in a game already out of reach, the Pirates’ bullpen had a quietly good series. Yohan Ramírez issued three walks but managed to pitch two scoreless innings on July 4, extending a career-best run of 14 scoreless innings. Dennis Santana and Cam Sanders each spun one scoreless frame apiece later in that game; Mason Montgomery entered with the bases loaded and nobody out in relief of Bubba Chandler on July 5 and managed to wriggle out of the jam with just one run crossing.
Mattson and Gregory Soto entered after that, keeping the game tied long enough for the Pirates to pull ahead with an eighth inning rally. Bullpen struggles like the Pirates have had this season often take a one step forward, one step back pattern, but it’s a trend to monitor down the stretch.
Konnor Griffin a 20-20 Candidate
Konnor Griffin broke a 111-year-old Pirates’ record with his third inning steal on July 5, recording his 20th stolen base in his 59th career game. Doug Baird held the previous record, hitting the 20-steal plateau in his 60th career game back in 1915.
With five homers and 20 steals — and after missing close to a month due to injury — Griffin could flirt with the 20-20 club during his first season in the big leagues. He’ll have a legitimate shot at doing so next season. For those who haven’t heard, Griffin is still just 20 years old. He has plenty of time to build power and refine his approach at the plate.
More about:Pirates
For his age he handles the game quite well. He’s very patient at the plate, seems to have his base steeling down quite well also. On the field he plays like a seasoned veteran and let’s the game come to him. He’s might become the infield version of my Idle, a man named Clemente.
Love the resiliency and professionalism of Pirates in this game. With offense of these Buccos and soon to return Cruz and hopefully Horiwitz we have a legit shot at a wildcard. Skenes issues a mystery at this point and Bubba(?), you gotta throw strikes. Bullpen hopefully coming into view as a reliable entity. If that happens all we need is a 7 to 8 game winning streak and then. Yinzer! Progress and IC Lite for all!!