7/23/23- By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on Twitter
With a chance to win their first series in over 3 weeks, sending All-Star Mitch Keller to face former Pirate and struggling southpaw, Tyler Anderson, seemed like a favorable matchup for Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, there have been very few favorable days for the Bucs this season – though, the Bucs started off strong as Reynolds hit a 2-0 fastball 422 feet to dead center to lift the team to an early 1-0 lead.
But, as is often the case, that lead didn’t last long as the current MLB leader in home runs did this (112.9 MPH off the bat!):
Keller had some strong moments during the game, striking out 7, but left a number of pitches up and surrendered hard contact with six batted balls hit at 99 MPH or higher. In the 2nd inning, noted Pirate-killer, Mike Moustakas, doubled to lead off the inning, moved to third on a single by catcher Matt Thaiss and scored on a double from Eduardo Escobar.
It stayed quiet until the 5th inning when the Angels unloaded on Mitch. First pitch of the inning: home run to Andrew Velazquez. Second pitch: home run to Luis Rengifo. Then, he walked Ohtani on 4 pitches before Mickey Moniak and Taylor Ward hit back-to-back singles to add a run. Thaiss would hit a sacrifice fly later in the inning as the final run of the frame, but the damage was done and so was Keller. Final line: 5 innings, 9 hits, 6 runs, 1 walk, 7 strikeouts and 3 home runs surrendered – the most he’s allowed in any start of his career.
On the other side of the ball, Anderson had a solid start for the Angels, working into the 7th inning for only the second time this season but was unable to record an out in the frame. Nick Gonzales led off with an infield single before Liover Peguero notched his first extra base hit and RBI of his MLB career.
Peguero would later score on a bit of an odd error, as reliever, Jacob Webb, didn’t field a throw back from the catcher and Peggy took advantage.
Carlos Santana would add on, driving in two with a double to center and bringing the tying run up to the plate, but Henry Davis struck out swinging and the Pirates were unable to bring home any runs after that.
News & Notes
- Davis keeps his on-base streak going, now at 12 games.
- As Jason Mackey points out, Keller’s struggles have preceded the All Star break.
- Reynolds posted consecutive multi-hit games for the first time since April 29-May 2.
- Santana’s double today was his 24th this season and leads the team. He’s currently on pace for 39, which would match his career-high set in 2013 while with Cleveland.
- Interesting moment in the 5th inning as Thaiss hit a ball down the first base line that was initially called fair, going for a 2-run double, but was discussed among the umpires and ruled foul.
- Pirates stay out west as they trek to San Diego tomorrow. Quinn Priester is scheduled to face Yu Darvish with first pitch at 9:40PM. Let’s Go Bucs!
Steel City Pirates 
Thanks to getting thumped in seven of those last 11 starts, Keller’s season ERA has now passed 4. He still averages a bit more than six innings a start, so the length remains, a good sign. He did have three strong starts in his final four of the first ‘half,’ so here’s hoping the Cleveland outing was a disruption from the break and yesterday a product of one of MLB’s best offenses.
LikeLike