Pirates Blow Late Lead, Lose Eighth Straight

The Pirates lost again, their eighth straight. They were swept again too. If you’re still keeping track, that’s 24 of 28 losses since the All-Star break. At this point, no type of loss is all that surprising. Blown leads, terrible defense and base running blunders are the norm. The results speak for themselves.

Things looked great in this game for the Pirates up until the seventh inning. They were leading 8-4. Up until that point, Steven Brault had pitched average enough, giving up four earned in 4.2 innings. Micheal Feliz followed that up with 1.1 scoreless himself. At that point, eight runs seemed like more than enough.

Then Kyle Crick came on in the seventh.

After getting an out to start the inning, Crick allowed a pair of singles followed by another out. Not a terrible situation. He then hit a batter to load the bases. Still no need to panic. Crick proceeded to then hit the next batter allowing in a run to make the score 8-5. Obviously not ideal, but the inning had not gotten out of hand.

Then some guy named Lane Thomas stepped up to the plate. On a 3-2 pitch, he blasted a 410 foot grand slam out to left giving the Cardinals a 9-8 lead. Dexter Fowler added a two-run shot in the ninth against Geoff Hartlieb and the Pirates eventually lost the game 11-9.

That offense though

Josh Bell had great day at the plate, going 3-4 with a pair of dingers. These were his first home runs since July 5.

Bryan Reynolds went 3-4 with two doubles. He is now batting .335 this year, keeping his name in the batting title race. He also scored three runs.

Colin Moran went 3-4 with a double. Adam Frazier added two hits as well.

In the ninth inning, Pablo Reyes was able to crank a solid “the game is all but over but here you go” solo shot.

Up next

The Pirates travel to Mike Trout land to take on the Los Angeles Angels for three games. They then come home for a ten game homestand starting with a three gamer against the Chicago Cubs.

Mitch Keller (0-1, 10.50) takes the bump tomorrow. He will oppose Angels’ southpaw, Jose Suarez (2-3, 6.22).