Morning Rundown: Pirates defeat Twins, Brannigan to IL, another big day for Yordany
The Pirates start off their series against the Twins with a win
The Pittsburgh Pirates shut out the Minnesota Twins 3-0 on Friday night in a game broadcast on Apple TV+.
It was another strong start by Mitch Keller, who once again completed at least five innings (six total), picking up his eighth win of the season after striking out eight over six frames.
Aroldis Chapman, Colin Holderman, and David Bednar came in relief to shut the door. It was Bednar’s 13th save of the season.
Bryan Reynolds picked up a pair of doubles for the offense, while Connor Joe and Oneil Cruz hit home runs.
As expected, the Pirates will have a bullpen game on Saturday, with Carmen Mlodzinski getting the ‘start.’
After leaving Thursday’s game early, Greensboro infielder Jack Brannigan was placed on the 7-day injured list.
In the bottom of the first, on a 2-2 pitch with Nick Cimillo batting, Brannigan attempted to steal second, but play was halted on a foul ball. The camera never showed Brannigan, but the broadcaster mentioned he was walking slowly back to first before the trainer checked on him and eventually left the game.
Yordany De Los Santos had another big game, picking up a pair of hits—both going for extra bases—while driving in three, stealing a base, scoring twice, and being hit by a pitch.
It was another day at the office for the 19-year-old De Los Santos, who is slashing .367/.436/.522 in 25 games for the FCL Pirates. He played 17 games in the Complex last year before getting promoted to Bradenton, where he struggled.
Greensboro Grasshoppers placed 3B Jack Brannigan on the 7-day injured list
Pittsburgh Pirates optioned SS Liover Peguero to Indianapolis Indians
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Top Exit Velocity
Oneil Cruz - PIT - 114.2 mph - Home Run
Yasmani Grandal - IND - 107 mph - Groundout
Bryan Reynolds - PIT - 106.4 mph - Double
Gilberto Celestino - IND - 104.8 mph - Home Run
Enmanuel Terrero - BRD - 102.9 mph - Double
Top Pitch Velocity
Aroldis Chapman - PIT - 103.5 mph
Aroldis Chapman - PIT - 102.9 mph
Aroldis Chapman - PIT - 101.7 mph
Aroldis Chapman - PIT - 101.2 mph
Aroldis Chapman - PIT - 99.8 mph
Most Whiffs
Mitch Keller - PIT - 13
Po-Yu Chen - ALT - 13
Michael Kennedy - BRD - 12
Nick Dombkowski - IND - 9
Wilber Dotel - GBO - 8
Indianapolis Indians - 3 vs Columbus Clippers - 7
Top Hitter - Jake Lamb: 2-3, R, 2 RBI, 2B, HR, BB
Top Pitcher - Nick Dombkowski: 4.2 IP, 7 H, ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Altoona Curve - 3 vs Richmond Flying Squirrels - 1
Top Hitter - Joe Perez: 2-4, R, RBI
Top Pitcher - Po-Yu Chen: 8 IP, 4 H, ER, BB, 9 K
Greensboro Grasshoppers - 4 vs Jersey Shore BlueClaws - 9
Top Hitter - Maikol Escotto: 1-4, HR, 3 RBI, R
Top Pitcher - Elijah Birdsond: 2 IP, 2 H, ER, 5 K
Bradenton Marauders - 3 vs Clearwater Threshers - 7
Top Hitter - Keiner Delgado: 1-3, R, 2 RBI, HR, HBP
Top Pitcher - Hunter Furtado: 2 IP, H, BB, 2 K
FCL Pirates - 12 vs FCL Orioles - 4
Top Hitter - Yordany De Los Santos: 2-3, 2 R, 3 RBI, BB, 2B, 3B, SB
Top Pitcher - David Matoma: 1.2 IP, H
DSL Pirates Black - PPD
DSL Pirates Gold - 12 vs DSL CLE Goryl - 1
Top Hitter - Cristian Jauregui: 1-3, 3 R, 3 RBI, 3 BB, 3B
Top Pitcher - Luis Rodriguez: 2 IP, BB, 3 K
DSL Pirates Gold - 0 vs DSL CLE Goryl - 3
Top Hitter - Ruben Vizcaya: 2-2, BB
Top Pitcher - Brandison Polanco: 2.1 IP, H, 6 K
Attempting to grill a very large amount of ribs with burgers and hot dogs today…
Wish me luck
I think a lot of Hank's issues at the plate are in his head and about pitch selection or maybe I should say swing selection. He's an intense dude and imo, sometimes that can work against you in baseball. Some patients at the plate might get him into some better pitch counts. Just my thoughts.