Pirates Day 9 Recap

Game 1: Pirates vs. Nationals

7-0, Pirates

W – Moore (3-2)

HR – McCutchen (1), Rosario (6), Sandoval x2 (2)

Pirates: (9-8)

Game 2: Pirates vs. Nationals

1-0, Nationals

L – Sale (2-2)

Pirates: (9-9)

In game one, Matt Moore continued to exhibit his unhittable pitching in rout to a huge victory for the Pirates’ playoff chances. McCutchen got the scoring started in the first inning with his first homerun of the season - a two run shot to left center field. But the real story on the day was Matt Moore and his second straight complete game shutout. He now has 18 consecutive scoreless innings and has given up just one run in his last 24 innings pitched. After a poor start to the season, Moore has corrected his struggles in a major way. This start is potentially his last of the season if the Pirates cannot reach the playoffs.

Game two was a frustrating game for Pirates fans. Just needing a win to clinch a playoff berth, the Pirates could not seem to come up with a single run to match the Nationals’ early score. The Pirates wasted 14 strikeouts and seven magnificent innings from Chris Sale who, undeservedly, got the loss. The 1-0 loss puts the Pirates in a win-or-go-home situation in the final game of the season against the Reds. The aptly nicknamed “Big Game” James Shields will take the hill, but will be on a short leash in an all-hands-on-deck strategy. It all comes down to one game for the season.