Pittsburgh Pirates Notes: Seth Hernandez Struggles, Gray goes Deep Twice

The Pirates currently hold a 26-25 record and sit 5.5 games back in the National League Central standings. Over the last 24 hours, the team’s defensive errors overshadowed a career-best pitching performance. They also struggled in the late innings, resulting in a 6-2 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays.

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MLB Game Recap

Pittsburgh fell 6-2 to the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre after a late-inning bullpen collapse erased an early lead. Starter Bubba Chandler delivered a dominant line of 5.0 IP. He had 1 ER, 2 H, 11 K, and 3 BB on 99 pitches. However, three defensive errors and three runs allowed by Dennis Santana in the eighth inning proved too much to overcome. The turning point arrived in the third inning. A throwing error by Spencer Horwitz allowed the tying run to score. This was followed immediately by a Yohendrick Piñango two-run double.

Standout Performer

Bubba Chandler was the standout despite the loss, striking out a career-high 11 batters and generating 22 whiffs. He allowed only two hits and one earned run over five innings, maintaining a 4.79 ERA while keeping the Blue Jays’ hitters off-balance for most of the night. His performance highlighted his potential as a frontline starter. Unfortunately, the Pirates’ offense could not capitalize on his 10-of-23 first-pitch strikes.

Key News & Notes

Manager Don Kelly noted the urgency to improve the bullpen. The bullpen has recorded 11 blown saves through 48 games. This record is tied for second-most in MLB. To bolster the relief corps, the team recently recalled Wilber Dotel, who previously held a 1.35 ERA and 0.75 WHIP in his relief appearances for the Pirates earlier this year. On the defensive side, the club is keeping an eye on its reliability. The team recorded errors at first base, third base, and catcher during Friday’s loss.

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Farm Report

Triple-A: Tyler Callihan (1-3, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB, SB) played a key role in the Indianapolis Indians’ 7-3 victory. The Indians used a five-run seventh inning to pull away from Toledo.
Double-A: The Altoona Curve had its game postponed due to weather.

High-A: Murf Gray went 2-3 with 2 HR, 3 R, 2 RBI, and a BB. He powered Greensboro’s 8-4 victory in a makeup of the 5/21 rainout game. Gray hit two homers. This effort anchored a six-run third inning rally. In the second game of the day, Seth Hernandez suffered the loss. Hernandez went 2.2 IP. He gave up only three hits, but all three were home runs. He walked four and struck out five in the loss. He now has a 1-1 record with Greensboro.
Single-A: Yonleg Gaetano (6 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 2 K, 3 BB) dominated in a 3-2 Bradenton Marauders loss. However, the game ended in a loss. Gaetano’s hitless start was spoiled by a ninth-inning Lakeland walk-off.
Rookie: Kelvin Herrera (1-1, 3B, 2 BB, RBI, R) led the FCL Pirates to a 5-0 shutout. The pitching staff surrendered only four hits in the win.

Looking Ahead

The Pirates look to even the series Saturday with ace Paul Skenes (6-3, 2.63 ERA) on the hill. He faces Toronto Patrick Corbin (1-1, 4.23 ERA) in a nationally televised matchup.

Chandler’s 11 strikeouts are a massive positive. However, the team must fix its defensive lapses. They also need to improve late-inning relief to stay competitive in the division. What do you think?