Gameday 58: Mitch Keller on the mound as Pirates look to earn at least a split against Blue Jays
After losing in extra-innings, the Pirates look to rebound with Keller on the mound.
The Pittsburgh Pirates lost to the Toronto Blue Jays in extra innings on a walk-off home run by Davis Schneider in the 14th inning.
Although Bailey Falter pitched a fantastic game, the Pirates couldn’t hold the lead and eventually lost.
If there was any time to go into extra innings, it was with Mitch Keller due up next for the Pirates. He’s pitched in at least five innings in each start this season. He’s also completed at least six in his last four starts.
Keller has also picked up wins in each of those starts.
The Blue Jays will send left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi to the mound, with an expected start time of 3:07 pm ET.
Pirates Lineup
DH - Andrew McCutchen
LF - Bryan Reynolds
1B - Connor Joe
RF - Edward Olivares
3B - Ke’Bryan Hayes
SS - Nick Gonzales
C - Yasmani Grandal
2B - Jared Triolo
CF - Michael A. Taylor
Blue Jays Lineup
LF - Davis Schneider
CF - Daulton Varsho
1B - Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
SS - Bo Bichette
DH - Daniel Vogelbach
RF - George Springer
3B - Isaiah Kiner-Falefa
C - Alejandro Kirk
2B - Cavan Biggio
Pitching Matchup
PIT - Mitch Keller (6-3, 3.59 ERA, 67.2 IP, 19 BB, 58 K)
TOR - Yusei Kikuchi (2-4, 3.25 ERA, 61 IP, 13 BB, 61 K)
Yesterday’s Feature
After not allowing an earned run all season in the Dominican League last year, David Matoma is off to another really good start in 2024.
Today’s Feature
Esmerlyn Valdez has been a perfect example of how development isn’t linear. He’s shown some flashes, with the occasional hiccup. I talked to Jim Horner about the young hitting prospect.
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Mitch now with 43 straight starts of 5 IP or more.
I guess Ortiz isn't opening tomorrow.