Morning Rundown: Pirates win series against Reds, Braxton Ashcraft makes second AAA start
Pirates win a pitchers' duel in the series finale against the Reds
Hunter Greene and Mitch Keller were at the top of their game on Wednesday, both pitching scoreless outings for their respective teams.
It was yet another outing of at least five innings for Keller, who pitched seven shut out but didn’t factor into the decision. Greene struck out nine batters in 6.1 innings pitched, allowing just two hits.
In the end, it was Bryan Reynolds who not only extended his hitting streak but also scored the only run of the game with his 10th home run of the season.
The win pushes the Pirates to within two games of a .500 record. After a day off on Thursday, they will play the Tampa Bay Rays this upcoming weekend.
Braxton Ashcraft made his second Triple-A start for Indianapolis, going 4.1 innings this time around.
He struggled with his command, especially with his fastball, walking three while striking out four batters. The slider still missed plenty of bats, picking up nine whiffs on 15 swings (60%).
The change-up was a pitch that he hadn’t used too much so far, but he threw it 10 times on Wednesday, picking up two whiffs with it.
Sammy Siani had a strong night for Altoona, picking up three hits—one of which was his third home run since being promoted to Double-A.
The 23-year-old outfielder also drove in a pair of runs and stole a base.
After finally getting out of Greensboro, Siani has been solid since being promoted, but is having himself quite the stretch. He has seven hits in the last five games, four of which have gone for extra bases.
In 34 games in Altoona, Siani is hitting .248/.312/.408 with 11 extra-base hits.
3B Jackson Glenn assigned to Altoona Curve from Indianapolis Indians
Pittsburgh Pirates optioned SS Alika Williams to Indianapolis Indians
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Top Exit Velocity
Seth Beer - IND - 107.9 mph - Single
Rowdy Tellez - PIT - 107.1 mph - Double
Esmerlyn Valdez - BRD - 107 mph - Double
Yasmani Grandal - PIT - 106.7 mph - Double
Axiel Plaz - BRD - 105.7 mph - Home Run
Top Pitch Velocity
David Bednar - PIT - 98 mph
David Bednar - PIT - 97.9 mph
David Bednar - PIT - 97.6 mph
David Bednar - PIT - 97.5 mph
David Bednar - PIT - 97.5 mph
Most Whiffs
Braxton Ashcraft - IND - 15
Wilber Dotel - GBO - 13
Mitch Keller - PIT - 9
Carlson Reed - BRD - 9
Luigi Hernandez - BRD - 9
Indianapolis Indians - 2 vs Iowa Cubs - 0
Top Hitter - Liover Peguero: 2-4, 2B, R
Top Pitcher - Ben Heller: IP, 2 K
Altoona Curve - 6 vs Bowie Baysox - 4
Top Hitter - Sammy Siani: 3-5, 2 RBI, R, HR, SB
Top Pitcher - Eddy Yean: 2 IP, 2 K
Greensboro Grasshoppers - 8 vs Hudson Valley Renegades - 2
Top Hitter - PJ Hilson: 2-3, 2 R, 3 RBI, HR, SB
Top Pitcher - Wilber Dotel: 6 IP, 3 H, BB, 7 K
Bradenton Marauders - 2 vs Lakeland Flying Tigers - 10
Top Hitter - Axiel Plaz: 1-3, R, 2 RBI, HR
Top Pitcher - Carlson Reed: 5.1 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
FCL Pirates - 5 vs FCL Orioles - 13
Top Hitter - Jhonny Severino: 1-4, 3 RBI, 3B, BB
Top Pitcher - Noah Takacs: 2.1 IP, H, K
DSL Pirates Black - 7 vs DSL NYY Bombers
Top Hitter - Andres Villafane: 2-3, R, 2 RBI, 2 2B
Top Pitcher - Francis Reyes: 2.1 IP, H, ER, BB, K
Don't forget the defensive highlight!
https://x.com/AltoonaCurve/status/1803580858802033083?t=t0axLJnMJ6yAgTxW-lnZ4w&s=19
The rest of the NL should take notice of both the Pirates and Reds who showed they both have enough quality pitching to make it through a 3 game series. Cannot wait to see the trade fires burning for adding a few long term bats to the Pirates lineup. I think Endy and Henry will solidify the Catcher position, and the Pirates are well stocked at the 2B, SS, 3B, LF, and RF positions. CF continues to be a continuing issue, and somebody to provide some power and D from CF would be an excellent add.
The Pirates are loaded with the resources just about every other team looks for in trade and that is Pitching. Seattle does not seem to need Pitching but they have a young, switchhitting CF, Jonatan Clase, 22. Detroit has a few CF's in Wenceel Perez, 24 and Parker Meadows, 24. Alex Ramirez, 21 of the Mets could possibly cost the most. The Yankees will also be trying to trade Everson Pereira, 23, who just underwent season ending surgery (TJ ?).
Of course, this is old stuff and nobody seems to know what is going on between the ears of BC.
Well pitched game by Wilber Dotel to keep GBO in 1st Place - is the First half over? Nice to see TJ with a HR.