Under .500 for the first time this season, the Pittsburgh Pirates needed a win to end a four-game losing streak. The response was perhaps one of the most encouraging signs this season.
Following a game in which the Pirates had 10 walks, they recorded their first shutout of the season, a 5-0 victory Saturday night against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Monkey off of his back
“Finally, honestly.”
Those were the two words Andrew McCutchen had for Root Sports after the game after his first home run of the season. The blast was a long time coming for McCutchen, who has had several close calls and long-hit balls. His reaction was one of mock celebration and relief. It had a flair to it for sure.
This home run cleared the left field wall by a comfortable margin and came in the fifth inning.
Last year, McCutchen had a rough April because of an injury, and any time a franchise player does not perform up to the high standards placed on them, they can feel weighed down.
It was clear based on that celebration that McCutchen was feeling this, but that large weight is now off his shoulders, and it should free him up once again.
Niese delivers
If you had to guess which starting pitcher had the longest outing through 12 games, few would guess Jonathon Niese. But that is what happened.
Niese went seven innings, had 14 ground ball outs and surrendered just three hits.
He did have a lot of help, with David Freese recording a diving play for an out in the third inning and Gregory Polanco making another impressive catch in the seventh. However, no defensive play was bigger than the one in the fifth inning when Jordy Mercer made a Derek Jeter-type play at shortstop to show off his range in the hole and ability to throw to third base. On that play, Freese had to go backward and guess where the base was, and he was correct. As a result, Aaron Hill was just barely out at third base.
It was support such as this that Niese never had in New York with the Mets, and you could tell it made him much more confident knowing the team, especially the infield, had his back.
The trade that brought over Niese was certainly not popular, especially because Neil Walker was the one sent to the Mets. But if this kind of pitching continues, it will soften the blow a bit.
Fourth inning cash-in
It seems as if the Pirates stranding runners and blowing opportunities have been the top complaints from the fans. Tonight, the fourth inning showed fans there are signs of life when it comes to lowering the team’s left-on-base (LOB) totals. No out was wasted.
In the fourth, Starling Marte doubled, Francisco Cervelli singled and Polanco grounded out (Brewers first baseman Chris Carter went for the sure out at first base.) Josh Harrison then tripled, and he scored later when Mercer hit a deep fly ball to left field.
This inning will not put to rest any doubts about cashing in on opportunities, but this type of inning will be a big confidence booster.
Once again, it was the night of the word “finally,” and by the time the final out was recorded, the Pirates were back in the winner’s circle.
Up Next
The series — and the Pirates’ homestand — concludes Sunday when Juan Nicasio (1-1 5.00 ERA) faces Milwaukee’s Kyle Davies (2016 debut). Nicasio is 2-0 with a 1.20 ERA in four appearances against the Brewers (two of those were starts.)
Photo credit: Keith Srakocic/AP Photo
