Pirates/MLB
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Cincinnati Reds managed just four hits but the Pirates committed four errors in a 3-1 loss to the Reds this afternoon.
In a rare start at shortstop, his first this season, Sean Rodriguez committed two errors in the first two innings and Gregory Polanco had a throwing error in the second inning as the Reds scored three runs in the second.
“If we defend the ball better, who knows what might’ve happened,” Hurdle told reporters afterwards.
Pedro Alvarez committed his 19th error of the season in the sixth inning, the most errors by a first baseman since Ryan Howard (2008) and Lee Stevens (2001) each had 19. Alvarez is within striking distance of catching Kevin Young who had 23 errors in 149 games during the 1999 season. Alvarez is currently at 101 games.
Last season in 99 games at third base Alvarez had 25 errors.
The Pirates wasted a solid start from Jeff Locke who allowed four hits and one earned run over five innings. Locke struck out six and walked two. All four errors committed by the Pirates were with Locke on the mound.
The Pirates failed to advance a runner past second base until the eighth inning.
As for Locke, even with A.J. Burnett starting Thursday vs Milwaukee, Locke is guaranteed at least one more start this season.
The Pirates will skip Gerrit Cole’s next start to limit his workload the rest of the season. Cole is currently at 180.2 innings pitched.
The rotation sets up with Francisco Liriano, J.A. Happ starting the next two games vs Cincinnati, followed by A.J. Burnett, Charlie Morton, Jeff Locke and Francisco Liriano facing the Brewers.
Cole will pitch next on September 15th vs the Cubs for the doubleheader.
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The Cubs trail the Pirates by two games for the top wildcard spot.
