The Pirates currently sit at 24-23, placing them 4.5 games behind the Cubs for the NL Central lead. The Pirates were swept by the Phillies over the weekend. They used yesterday’s scheduled off-day to finalize several major roster adjustments before starting their series with the Cardinals on Tuesday.
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MLB Game Recap
In their last game on Sunday, the Pirates lost 6-0. They managed only five hits against Philadelphia. Starter Paul Skenes (6-3) pitched 5 innings. He allowed 5 earned runs on 6 hits. He achieved 7 strikeouts and 1 walk on 92 pitches. Bryce Harper’s solo homer chased him in the sixth. The bullpen saw Yohan Ramírez strike out the side in one inning of relief. Dennis Santana gave up a solo shot to Bryson Stott in the eighth. The turning point occurred in the fifth inning. The Phillies ended Skenes’ career-best 20-inning scoreless streak. They also stopped his 39-inning walk-less streak to take a 2-0 lead.
Standout Performer
Nick Gonzales: 1-for-4, .318 AVG, .732 OPS. The team faced offensive struggles. The lineup experienced a nine-strikeout performance. Gonzales continued his steady play at third base. He remains the team’s leader in batting average among regulars. His consistency is a rare bright spot. This is for an offense that has now lost four of its last five games.
Key News & Notes
The club placed veteran Ryan O’Hearn on the 10-day IL on Sunday with a right quad strain. They activated outfielder Jake Mangum to take his spot. Further moves are expected today. Reports indicate outfielder Jhostynxon García—nicknamed “The Password”—will be recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis. This follows after infielder Nick Yorke was optioned following Sunday’s game. García, has slashed .324/.365/.632 in the minors since early April, is expected to jump into the starting mix in right field.
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Farm Report
- Triple-A Indianapolis: Idle Monday; the Indians (18-27) visit Toledo tonight behind Nathan Davis (1-3, 3.46 ERA).
- Double-A Altoona: Idle Monday; the Curve (15-24) hosts Erie this evening with RHP Ager (1-0, 0.00 ERA) on the hill.
- High-A Greensboro: Idle Monday; the Grasshoppers (25-14) host Winston-Salem tonight at First National Bank Field.
- Single-A Bradenton: Idle Monday; the Marauders (21-18) travel to Lakeland tonight to face the Flying Tigers.
- FCL Pirates: Jancarlos Ojeda: 2-for-4, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 SB in a 9-5 loss to the FCL Rays. The rookie first baseman hit a seventh-inning blast. It was a highlight in a game where the Pirates surrendered seven runs in the final three innings.
Looking Ahead
Pittsburgh opens a three-game series in St. Louis tonight at 7:45 PM ET. Mitch Keller (4-2, 3.59 ERA) takes the mound looking to bounce back against Cardinals Matthew Liberatore (2-2, 4.20 ERA).
With O’Hearn sidelined, “The Password” has a golden opportunity. He can prove his minor league power belongs in the everyday big-league lineup.
