CHRISTOPHER PANSINO – OVATHLETICS.COM
Thursday’s 6-2 loss to the Mets wrapped up another very bad road trip. The Pirates finished 1-6 during the past week, joining the 1985 Pirates with most road loses in franchise history. With seven road games remaining between now and the end of the season, they will likely surpass the mark and be marked as one of the worst single season in the history of the organization.
The Pirates got off to an early lead scoring two runs in the fourth inning. Mets center fielder cut short the inning however, costing the Pirates at least another run.
Garrett Jones’ lead off hit followed by a walk to Pedro Alvarez opening the inning. The following batter, Bowker, hit a deep shot toward center field. But center fielder Pegan made a great catch and was able to double up Alvarez, cutting short the Pirates rally.
Starter Charlie Morton would give the lead back in the bottom half of the inning after Lucas Duda hit a two-run double. Morton would finish the inning and go on to pitch another scoreless inning before being pulled in the sixth.
But the woes continued after Morton’s exit. The bullpen could not get settled giving up a combined four runs in the final three innings. A total of five relievers were used in the short period to get out of the game. No pitcher finished the inning they started.
Ultimately the loss was charged to Wilfredo Ledezma, whose run in the bottom of the sixth was the difference for the Bucs.
The Pirates return home Friday to face the Arizona Diamondbacks (59-88). Pirates are now two losses away from 100, which is all but a certainty at this point.
