Bucs edge Tigers 3-2 in opening game of doubleheader

Not a bad way to start off the day. The Pittsburgh Pirates got a pretty good start out of Tyler Anderson, who was then backed up by a solid bullpen and some timely hitting, as the Bucs successfully battled the cold weather by defeating the Detroit Tigers 3-2 in the opening game of today’s doubleheader.

Anderson went five innings, giving up two earned runs on three hits while striking out seven to snag the win on the day. He was followed up by Kyle Crick, who pitched one scoreless inning, striking out one, and then by Richard Rodriguez, who pitched a perfect final inning for his second save of the season.

After just talking today about the low confidence in the Pirates’ pitching staff, it was refreshing to see such a positive outing on the mound. Hopefully, they can keep it going in the nightcap starting later at 6:40.

Pittsburgh’s offense all came in one inning, with the Bucs scoring all three of their runs in the top of the fourth off of Tigers pitcher Michael Fulmer.

The Buccos came into the inning down 1-0, but Adam Frazier scored when Bryan Reynolds singled to right off of a Fulmer slider. Phillip Evans went to third and then scored on a Colin Moran ground out. The Bucs got their final run when Reynolds then scored when Erik Gonzalez cranked another Fulmer slider to left field for a single.

Pittsburgh had seven hits on the day, with Frazier leading the way by going 2-for-4 with a run scored, while Evans also had a multi-hit day, going 2-for-4 with a run scored. Both guys are hovering right around .300 with their averages right now, with Evans at .291 and Frazier hitting .317.

Pittsburgh also got hits from Moran (1-for-4) and the aforementioned plate appearances by Reynolds (1-for-3) and Gonzalez.

The Bucs move their record to 8-9 on the year and can get to .500 with a win in tonight’s game. After waiting most of the day to announce a starter for the nightcap, Miguel Yajure will take the mound, and while there’s likely to be some shuffling of the Pittsburgh lineup in the field and at the plate, the Pirates are really waiting until the last minute with this one, as the new batting order will be announced at game time.

Let’s go Bucs! Let’s get to .500!