Wilson Falters, Offense Runs Cold, and the Pirates Fall 6-2

Combined with Bryse Wilson getting bit by the home run bug and the offense running cold, the Pirates fail to sweep an opponent for the 13th time this year in a 6-2 loss to the Nationals.

On the pitching side of things, Wilson would try and lead the Pirates to their first sweep of the year. Things started out fine for Wilson through the first three innings of work. Despite giving up a solo shot to Luis Garcia in the 2nd inning, Wilson looked decent.

The 4th inning seems to be the Pirates bugaboo as of late. Wilson imploded in that inning, relinquishing the lead after a solo shot to Alex Avila and a three-run shot to Lane Thomas.

Wilson got pulled in the 5th inning, and his day was done after just 4.1 innings pitched; Kyle Keller stopped the bleeding and kept the game 5-2.

The Pirates showed some small ball techniques on the offensive side of things. Wilmer Difo and Ben Gamel found themselves on the corners with one out and Wilson to the plate. Wilson executed a perfect sac bunt scoring Difo, making that Wilson’s first career RBI.

Kevin Newman led off the 3rd inning with a smoked triple with an exit velocity of 99.5 to left-center. Bryan Reynolds showed even more small ball doing his job and getting a sac fly to center field, giving the Pirates a 2-1 lead.

The Pirates offense became inept after the Reynolds sac fly and couldn’t manage another run or significant hit to get the team going.

Takeaways 

4th inning woes- In back-to-back games, Pirates pitching fell off after a good three innings of work. Wilson crumbled, and one can start to wonder if everyone is feeling their first long season in two years. 

Chicks dig the long ball- Wilson allowed three home runs on Sunday, and since August 14th, Wilson has allowed seven home runs. Gopher balls have become an issue for Pirates’ pitching, and this rings true, especially with Wilson. 

Kevin “Jay Bell” Newman- Kevin Newman, despite his shortcomings, has proven to be a really good bunter. He surely is no Jay Bell, but his recent run of smart baseball and an acumen for small ball.

OVIEDO SIGHTING- Luis Oviedo was inserted into the game in the 7th inning, and he showed improvement. Although Oviedo gave up a run and got into some trouble, the youngster didn’t get overwhelmed, and he limited the damage. Development, development, development.