Gameday 76: Jared Jones on the mound as Pirates look to even up series against Rays

Jared Jones to pitch after the Pirates lost on Friday

The Pirates didn’t have the same success running a bullpen game as the last two against the Colorado Rockies, as they lost to the Tampa Bay Rays 10-3.

Bryan Reynolds picked up his 11th home run of the season, with Ke’Bryan Hayes and Jack Suwinski also driving in runs.

Carmen Mlodzinski opened the game, allowing one earned run in 1.2 innings pitched. Most of the damage was inflicted on Luis Ortiz, who allowed six earned runs in four innings pitched.

Josh Fleming and Daulton Jefferies closed out the rest of the game.

The Pirates will send out Jared Jones to start on Saturday, and he will be opposed by Zach Eflin for the Rays. First pitch is expected at 4:05 pm ET.

Pirates Lineup

DH - Andrew McCutchen

LF - Bryan Reynolds

SS - Oneil Cruz

1B - Rowdy Tellez

2B - Nick Gonzales

3B - Ke’Bryan Hayes

RF - Edward Olivares

CF - Jack Suwinski

C - Jason Delay

Rays Lineup

1B - Yandy Diaz

DH - Brandon Lowe

LF - Randy Arozarena

RF - Josh Lowe

3B - Ahmed Rosario

CF - Jose Siri

C - Ben Rortvedt

2B - Jose Caballero

SS - Taylor Walls

Pitching Matchup

PIT - Jared Jones (4-6, 3.76 ERA, 79 IP, 22 BB, 85 K)

TB - Zach Eflin (3-4, 4.12 ERA, 74.1 IP, 5 BB, 57 K)

Yesterday’s Feature

When the Pirates drafted Garret Forrester in the third round last year, they got an advanced college bat with an excellent feel for hitting. After a slow start, I talked to Bradenton manager Jim Horner about what was key for his turnaround.

Simple approach helping Garret Forrester adjust to pro ball

Today’s Feature

The draft combine was earlier this week, and while we weren’t able to watch as much of it as we would like, we still went over a few players that stood out.

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