The Pittsburgh Pirates currently hold a 43-43 record following a tough night in Philadelphia. Over the last 24 hours, the club saw its 38-game streak without being shut out come to an end. Meanwhile, the minor league affiliates combined for a successful winning evening.
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MLB Game Recap
The Pittsburgh Pirates fell 8-0 to the Phillies. They struggled to find any rhythm against Cristopher Sánchez. Sánchez became MLB’s first 10-win starter. Starter Bubba Chandler kept the game close early. However, a Justin Crawford two-run single eventually undid him. A late-inning Phillies surge included a Trea Turner home run. Philadelphia’s pitching staff dominated throughout, racking up 13 strikeouts and surrendering only five hits to the Pittsburgh lineup.
Standout Performer
Esmerlyn Valdez provided the lone bright spot for the offense, finishing 2-for-3 with a walk and reaching base three times. His performance was significant. He was the only Pirate to record multiple hits during the shutout. This highlights his recent promotion by the team. They elevated him to provide an offensive spark in the middle of the order.
Key News & Notes
General Manager Ben Cherington announced that Oneil Cruz will move his rehab to Florida this week. He will begin ramping up baseball activities following his hand fracture. The news is less optimistic for Spencer Horwitz. He is expected to miss “weeks, not days” with a grade one to two hamstring strain. Meanwhile, Jared Jones avoided a fracture from a line drive to the elbow. He appears to be nearing a return. He is expected back on the mound soon.
Farm Report
- Indianapolis (AAA): Rafael Flores Jr. went 2-for-3 with a double. He also walked twice and had two RBIs in a 12-5 win over Omaha. He helped anchor a 12-run explosion for the Indians.
- Altoona (AA): Callan Moss finished 2-for-5. He hit a massive grand slam and earned four RBIs in a 12-8 victory against Portland. His actions provided the decisive fifth-inning blow.
- Greensboro (High-A): Sammy Stafura went 2-for-4 with a home run and a double. He recorded three RBIs. The Grasshoppers beat Bowling Green 9-4 to secure a series-opening win.
- Bradenton (Low-A): Jeter Martinez threw 3.1 scoreless innings with four strikeouts in a 3-2 walk-off win over Daytona, keeping the Tortugas off the board early.
- FCL Pirates: Jhonny Morel went 1-for-3. He hit a solo home run in a narrow 2-1 loss to the Twins. He provided the only run for the Pirates with a first-inning blast.
Looking Ahead
The Pittsburgh Pirates continue their series in Philadelphia on Wednesday, July 1, featuring a high-profile matchup as Paul Skenes (6-7, 3.10 ERA) faces off against the Phillies’ Zack Wheeler (8-1, 2.03 ERA).
Quick Take: A rough night in Philly, but a healthy minor league system offers a silver lining.
