Morning Rundown: Pirates win series against Rockies, minor league teams sweep Sunday
All five teams in the Pirates organization win on Sunday
The Pittsburgh Pirates won their first series of the season since their home opener against the Baltimore Orioles.
A late two-run home run by Oneil Cruz was the difference, and Jack Suwinski delivered another RBI single to pad the lead. The final score was 5-3.
Bailey Falter finished strong after giving up two home runs early. He pitched 5.1 innings, with Luis Ortiz coming in afterward. He picked up his second win of the season after going 1.2 innings without allowing a hit, run, or walk.
It was the most runs they have scored in a game since April 25. They also picked up five extra-base hits on the day.
They continue their home stand on Monday with the first of three against the Los Angeles Angels.
Not only did the Pirates win, but each of their minor-league affiliates also came away with victories on Sunday.
Paul Skenes struck out four, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks across 4.1 innings pitched. Nick Gonzales picked up a pair of doubles and now has 14 on the season.
Anthony Solometo and Bubba Chandler both pitched on Sunday for Altoona, who snapped a 15-game losing streak. Chandler picked up his first professional save after pitching the final three innings.
Greensboro put up 15 runs behind six extra-base hits - including home runs from Hudson Head and Josiah Sightler. Sammy Siani collected three hits, bringing his OPS to .965.
With their game Sunday, that gave Bradenton a 5-1 series win against Fort Myers, upping their wins from four to nine just in a week. Shalin Polanco hit his third home run of the season and Carlos Jimenez came out of the bullpen to get the win.
FCL Pirates placed RHP Gilberto Alcala on the 7-day injured list
FCL Pirates placed RHP Joaquin Tejada on the 7-day injured list
FCL Pirates placed RHP Kevison Hernandez on the 7-day injured list
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Top Exit Velocity
Nick Gonzales - IND - 108.1 mph - Double
Shalin Polanco - BRD - 106.7 mph - Home Run
Oneil Cruz - PIT - 106.5 mph - Home Run
Bryan Reynolds - PIT - 106.3 mph - Double
Jake Lamb - IND - 105.9 mph - Single
Top Pitch Velocity
Aroldis Chapman - PIT - 101.2 mph
Aroldis Chapman - PIT - 101 mph
Paul Skenes - IND - 101 mph
Paul Skenes - IND - 100.7 mph
Paul Skenes - IND - 100.7 mph
Most Whiffs
Khristian Curtis - BRD - 16
Ben Heller - IND - 11
Bubba Chandler - ALT - 11
Anthony Solometo - ALT - 10
Paul Skenes - IND - 10
Bailey Falter - PIT - 10
Indianapolis Indians - 8 vs Buffalo Bisons - 3
Top Hitter - Nick Gonzales: 2-4, 2 R, RBI, BB, 2 2B
Top Pitcher - Ben Heller: 1.2 IP, 5 K
Altoona Curve - 6 vs Harrisburg Senators - 2
Top Hitter - Aaron Shackelford: 3-4, 3 R, 2 RBI, 3B, HR
Top Pitcher - Bubba Chandler: 3 IP, H, BB, 3 K, SV
Greensboro Grasshoppers - 15 vs Winston Salem Dash - 5
Top Hitter - Hudson Head: 4-5, 2 R, 3 RBI, HR
Top Pitcher - Hunter Barco: 3 IP, 2 H, BB, 4 K
Bradenton Marauders - 5 vs Fort Myers Mighty Mussels - 4
Top Hitter - Shalin Polanco: 1-3, R, HR, 2 RBI, BB
Top Pitcher - Carlos Jimenez: IP, 2 H, 2 K
The Pirates should be listening to my old Ratt album all day today, cuz they're Out of the Cellar!
Glad to see Jack Suwinski contributing at the plate. Riding a hitting streak with a hit apiece in each of the last two games, and it would be great to see him break out by keeping that streak going and adding some crooked numbers in the hit and RBI columns. He's seeing the ball better with 12 BB/23 K in the first 34 games, but the rate of EBH is down with only 4 doubles and 2 HR to date. Be nice to see him maintain that K/BB rate and add some EBH. This team needs he, Reynolds, Hayes, and Cruz in that 20-20 club