The Pittsburgh Pirates currently hold a 35-34 record and sit 7.5 games out of first place in the National League Central. Over the last 24 hours, the club dropped its series finale to the Dodgers. They recalled outfield help to address a mounting injury list.
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MLB Game Recap
Pittsburgh fell 8-6 to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday. They lost the rubber match of the three-game series at PNC Park. Starting pitcher Mitch Keller took the loss. He allowed five earned runs and four walks over four innings. The bullpen surrendered three additional runs in the later frames. Despite a mid-game rally featuring home runs from Rafael Flores Jr. and Brandon Lowe, the Pirates could not overcome an early five-run deficit.
Standout Performer
Rookie catcher Rafael Flores Jr. provided a significant spark, finishing the night 2-for-3 with his first career Major League home run. The standout performer had an impressive stat line. It included a 440-foot solo blast, one double, one walk, and two RBIs. His performance helped keep the Pirates within striking distance throughout the game’s final innings.
Key News & Notes
Esmerlyn Valdez, an outfielder, was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis. He replaced Oneil Cruz. Oneil Cruz was placed on the 10-day injured list with hand fractures. Infielder Davis Wendzel was optioned to Indianapolis in a corresponding move. Catcher Shawn Ross joined the taxi squad after Endy Rodríguez left Wednesday’s game with hip discomfort. Manager Don Kelly continues to shuffle the roster as the team deals with multiple injuries in the active lineup.
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Farm Report
- Triple-A Indianapolis: Enmanuel Valdez had an impressive game. He went 2-for-4 with a home run and one walk. Valdez also drove in three RBIs and scored three runs in an 11-6 victory over the Columbus Clippers. The Indians utilized a three-homer barrage to secure the win at Victory Field.
- Double-A Altoona: Matt Ager took the loss after pitching 6.0 innings. He allowed eight hits and three earned runs. He did not allow any walks. He had one strikeout in a 4-0 shutout loss to the Bowie Baysox. The Curve offense struggled to find rhythm, managing only four hits in the contest.
- High-A Greensboro: Yordany De Los Santos went 1-for-5. He hit a home run and had three RBIs. He also struck out once in a 9-5 loss to the Wilmington Blue Rocks. A four-run ninth inning by Wilmington ultimately erased the Grasshoppers’ lead.
- Single-A Bradenton: Levi Sterling pitched 6.0 innings. He allowed six hits and three earned runs. He also struck out seven with zero walks in a 7-1 loss to the Tampa Tarpons. Defensive miscues proved costly as the Marauders committed three errors during the defeat.
- FCL Pirates: Jhonny Calixte had a strong performance, finishing 2-for-3. He had one walk, one RBI, and a stolen base. Despite his efforts, the team lost 7-1 to the FCL Twins. The rookie squad was held to just three hits while committing three errors in the seven-inning game.
Looking Ahead
The Pirates begin a new home series against the Miami Marlins on Friday at 6:40 p.m. at PNC Park. Right-hander Braxton Ashcraft (5-3, 3.28 ERA) is the probable starter for Pittsburgh, facing Marlins righty Sandy Alcantara (5-4, 4.33 ERA).
While the series loss to the Dodgers is a setback, seeing rookie Rafael Flores Jr. find his power stroke provides a much-needed silver lining as the team navigates life without Oneil Cruz.
