Pitching strong as Bucs win 3-2

Jamison Taillon delivered another strong outing on the way to a game one victory in Atlanta. He allowed two runs over seven innings before turning the ball over to the late inning guys who shut the door. Pittsburgh managed to scrape together the offense needed in order to get Taillon the win.

Here’s how the scoring went:

The Pirates initiated the scoring in the top of the 2^nd inning when Diaz singled home Dickerson after he led the inning off with a double. Diaz’s single proved to be timely as the next three Pirates’ hitters would go down on strikes to end the frame.

The scoring continued in the top of the 6^th inning when Marte led the inning off with a single and Bell reached on a failed force attempt, leaving runners at first and second. Then, with one out, David Freese delivered an RBI single to center in his final game as a Pirate in 2018. Although, his glory on the bases was short-lived as he was doubled off when Dickerson lined out to end the threat.

The Braves would charge back to tie the game 2-2, courtesy of solo home runs in the 6^th and 7^th innings off the bats of Ronald Acuna and Johan Camargo but the Pirates would regain the lead in the 8^th after Frazier walked to lead off the inning, Marte reached on a failed force attempt, and the Polanco delivered a single to center, scoring Frazier. This would conclude the scoring for either team on the day.

The Pirates’ bullpen continued it’s excellence as Keone Kela entered the game in the bottom half of the 8^th and retired the three batters he faced.

Then, Felipe Vazquez came in to pitch the 9^th. After allowing a couple of singles, Vazquez struck Dansby Swanson out on an elevated fastball to end the game.

Final Score: Pirates 3, Braves 2

W: Taillon (11-9) L: Brach (2-4) SV: Vazquez (29)

The Pirates and Braves will do it again in game two, Saturday at 7:10 pm EDT as Archer takes on Gausman.