Pirates drop series opener vs. Diamondbacks in 4-2 loss

The Pirates failed to start the road trip off with a win Monday night in a 4-2 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Buccos trotted out Chase De Jong, who had a rough go at it, especially in the second inning, giving up back-to-back solo home runs to Pavin Smith and Josh VanMeter.

De Jong also surrendered a two-run shot to Eduardo Escobar to double the D-Backs lead to 4-0.

The Pirates would drum something up in the seventh inning with RBI singles from Ke’Bryan Hayes and Bryan Reynolds, and the bases loaded up with the middle of the order to set up pinch hitter and MLB hits leader Adam Frazier, but the All-Star struck out swinging and stranded three on base.

The Pirates even got a strong chance in the ninth to take the lead with two men and one out, but Reynolds and Gregory Polanco struck out consecutively to end the game.

The Pirates had their chances to capitalize tonight and simply could not come through. That’s the difference between good and bad teams. Bad teams cannot rise to the occasion, good teams do. And the Pirates are unfortunately not a good team right now.

The series continues tomorrow night with Game 2 against the Diamondbacks. First pitch is set for 9:40 p.m. EST.