Morning Rundown: Mitch Keller consistency on mound continues
Pirates win second game of Blue Jays' series behind another solid outing from Mitch Keller
Mitch Keller’s fantastic run continues, as he picked up another win after pitching six one-run innings for the Pirates, whose offense came alive on Saturday to support him.
For Keller, he’s picked up a win in each of his last five starts. In those games, he’s allowed five earned runs across 33.2 innings pitched.
That gives Keller seven wins on the season and ties the current series at one game a piece.
The offense picked up eight runs on 11 hits - with Ke’Bryan Hayes (two) and Bryan Reynolds (eight) hitting home runs for the Pirates.
Quinn Priester will get the start for the Pirates on Sunday, who is currently on the taxi squad. He threw seven shutout and one-hit innings last week for Indianapolis.
Tony Blanco Jr. picked up his third home run for the FCL Pirates on Saturday, although they eventually lost the game.
The 19-year-old Blanco has had a strong start to the year and has shown a much better approach at the plate than expected. He now has a .991 OPS, and this is his fourth multi-hit game this season.
Speaking of home runs, Henry Davis now has seven home runs in 22 games while playing for Indianapolis this year after hitting another on Saturday. He has 14 extra-base hits and has been hit by a total of 10 pitches.
RHP Drake Fellows assigned to Indianapolis Indians from Altoona Curve
Bradenton Marauders activated SS Jeral Toledo from the 10-day injured list
DSL Pirates Black released SS Isaac Paulino
DSL Pirates Gold released RHP Wilkin Valdez
DSL Pirates Gold released OF Gustavo Armas
Greensboro Grasshoppers activated 1B Josiah Sightler
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Top Exit Velocity
Bryan Reynolds - PIT - 111.4 mph - Single
Bryan Reynolds - PIT - 109.3 mph - Home Run
Javier Rivas - BRD - 109.2 mph - Home Run
Ke’Bryan Hayes - PIT - 107.8 mph - Home Run
Henry Davis - IND - 107.4 mph - Home Run
Top Pitch Velocity
Khristian Curtis - BRD - 97.9 mph
Luis Ortiz - PIT - 97.8 mph
Carlos Jimenez - BRD - 97.7 mph
Luis Ortiz - PIT - 97.6 mph
Luis Ortiz - PIT - 97.6 mph
Khristian Curtis - BRD - 97.6 mph
Luis Ortiz - PIT - 97.6 mph
Most Whiffs
Po-Yu Chen - ALT - 15
Khristian Curtis - BRD - 12
Wilber Dotel - GBO - 11
Mitch Keller - PIT - 10
Nick Dombkowski - IND - 8
Indianapolis Indians - 2 vs Omaha Storm Chasers - 4
Top Hitter - Henry Davis: 1-3, R, RBI, HR
Top Pitcher - Josh Fleming: 2.2 IP, K
Altoona Curve - 8 vs Portland Sea Dogs - 11
Top Hitter - Sammy Siani: 1-4, 3 R, 2 RBI, 2 BB, SB
Top Pitcher - Po-Yu Chen: 6 IP, 7 H, ER, 2 BB, 5 K
Greensboro Grasshoppers - 3 vs Asheville Tourists - 4
Top Hitter - Termarr Johnson: 1-3, R, 2 RBI, BB, HR, SB
Top Pitcher - Cy Nielson: 2 IP, 4 K
Bradenton Marauders - 3 vs Fort Myers Mighty Mussels - 8
Top Hitter - Javier Rivas: 2-2, R, RBI, BB, HR
Top Pitcher - Carlos Jimenez: 2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 2 K
Bradenton Marauders - 1 vs Fort Myers Mighty Mussels - 3
Top Hitter - Axiel Plaz: 1-3, 2B
Top Pitcher - Khristian Curtis: 6 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
FCL Pirates - 3 vs FCL Orioles - 7
Top Hitter - Tony Blanco Jr.: 2-3, R, 2 RBI, HR
Top Pitcher - Carlos Castillo: 3 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
Yet another in a line of great starts by Keller. He may not be an Ace, as most define the term, but he’s an Ace in the fact he consistently eats innings with quality pitching.
Keller’s career resurrection story gives me hope QP can enjoy one, too. Hopefully beginning today.
Saturday, June 1
27 down. 54 to go.
The Pirates win 8-1 over the Jays on great pitching and not a little thump in the batter’s box!
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CARROTS ON THE HOUSE!!!!
@> Hayes for his 2 for 4 night including 2 runs, 2 rbi and a bomb. Welcome back young man.
@>@> L. Ortiz for three one-hit innings of relief on a night where the bullpen was short!
@>@>@> Pitch Keller, who checked in with his customary quality start. Six innings, five hits, one walk and 8 strikeouts.
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__________________________
“Well don’t think it hasn’t been a little slice of heaven…
‘Cuz it hasn’t.”
-Wabbit