Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Gregory Polanco dominated in just about every facet of Tuesday night’s game. Polanco’s 3-for-5 night at the plate came with a career-high five RBIs as part of a 12-1 Pirates win over the Arizona Diamondbacks at PNC Park.
Really this should be no surprise, as through the first quarter and change of this season, you could easily make the case for Polanco being the team’s MVP. Perhaps Starling Marte is the lone competition standing in the way of the outright claim.
Early on this season, the Pirates extended Polanco breaking a common practice the team believes in. Usually, negotiations are not made during the season, that is what the off-season is for, but not this time.
The day Polanco was extended, Josh Harrison was asked what the occasion meant considering the timing.
Harrison himself was extended last season on the exact same time, the second game of the schedule.
“It frees you up,” Harrison quickly said with a smile.
Harrison made clear it was not about being financially secure that freed you up but rather the idea of being wanted.
It is clear that the extension provided Polanco relief. When you are young as Polanco is, naturally the feeling of being wanted is there and at that age adjustments as well as learning experiences are common.
Polanco went on a tear for a period of time last season but the power has been missing.
The most recent leap of faith has been placing Polanco third in the batting order.
This is a place that Polanco hit consistently in the minor leagues, which only adds to the comfort level he is currently feeling.
That feeling can best be described right now as validation. All of the hard work, the early afternoons, growing pains and missteps have led to Tuesday night.
Each of his three hits came in a different way.
First the home run came on a 3-2 battle in which each side was battling. Polanco to give the Pirates a quick lead, and Diamondbacks starter Shelby Miller had a chance to record the first out of the first inning.
John Jaso was ruled safe at first base on a replay challenge and Andrew McCutchen also singled.
Both pitcher and batter wanted to impose his will and it was Polanco who would not blink. His home run, the sixth of the season, gave the Pirates a 3-0 lead.
Polanco’s second hit came in the sixth inning against Andrew Chafin.
Chafin is a left-handed pitcher, something that caused issues for Polanco throughout his career.
Polanco of course is a left-handed batter and hit .190 against same-hand pitching.
Chafin’s 0-1 pitch quickly found the outfield grass scoring two runs. Polanco slid into second safely with a double.
It was a big moment for Polanco and a sign that he is making strides in a weaker part of his game.
Just an inning later, Polanco was up once again and wasted no time against Evan Marshall. Polanco swung at the first he saw and laced it up the middle for a single.
By the end of the night, Polanco fell a triple short of the cycle.
You know the scariest part of nights such as this?
He is only going to get better.
Up next
The three-game series continues when Jeff Locke (2-3, 5.00 ERA) faces Rubby De La Rosa (4-4, 3.53 ERA). Locke is 0-2 with a 6.87 ERA in four career starts against the Diamondbacks.
