Pirates Preview: Seeking Bounce Back vs. Yankees After Friday Debacle

The New York Yankees (75-73) rallied for four runs in the ninth inning and defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates (69-79) 7-5 on Roberto Clemente Day.

Colin Holderman blew the save in the ninth with David Bednar unavailable and a defensive miscue cost the Pirates their chance to win.

The Bucs will look to bounce back against the Yankees on Saturday night at PNC Park.

First pitch is set for 6:35 ET and the game will be aired on AT&T SportsNet.

Weather

It should be another beautiful night for some baseball with temperatures around 70 degrees for first pitch. Winds light and variable.

The Pittsburgh Pirates Will Send Out RHP Luis Ortiz (4-4, 4.66 ERA)

Ortiz is coming off back-to-back strong starts for the Pirates. In 11.1 combined innings, he’s allowed a total of three runs on eight hits.

In his last three appearances, the right-hander has a 2.20 ERA (4er/16.1ip).

Ortiz faced the Yankees in New York last season and allowed one run in 5.0 innings pitch while striking out five batters.

The New York Yankees Will Send Out RHP Luke Weaver (2-5, 6.77 ERA)

This will be Weaver’s first appearance for the Yankees after they claimed him off waivers from the Seattle Mariners.

Weaver has bounced around between three teams this season — the Yankees, Mariners and Cincinnati Reds and hasn’t found his groove.

In his career against the Pirates, Weaver has made 11 appearances (eight starts) and is 2-3 with a 4.53 ERA.

Yankees Hitters vs. Ortiz

• Gleyber Torres: 1 for 3, one strikeout

Pirates Hitters vs. Weaver

• Bryan Reynolds: 2 for 6, one home run, one RBI, one walk, two strikeouts
• Jack Suwinski: 2 for 4, one double, one home run, one RBI, two strikeouts
• Connor Joe: 1 for 4, one home run, three RBIs, two strikeouts
• Ke’Bryan Hayes: 1 for 3
• Liover Peguero: 2 for 2, one home run, two RBIs

Tidbits

• Since being recalled by the Pirates, Ortiz is 2-1 with a 4.12 ERA/3.82 FIP. He had a 4.86 ERA/6.17 FIP in his first 11 appearances on the season.
• In September, Reynolds is hitting .333 (18 for 54) with three doubles, two home runs and 10 RBIs in 14 games.
• Henry Davis, who was reinstated from the IL, went 8 for 13 while on his minor league rehab assignment. He didn’t play in Friday’s game.

Links

After Loss to Yankees, Pirates Shift Focus to Injured Misiewicz

Pirates Reinstate Henry Davis From Injured List

Why Hasn’t Nick Gonzales Received Another Chance With Pirates?

Mitch Keller Employs His Full Arsenal In Pirates’ Shutout Win

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