Andrew McCutchen hit his third spring training home run, but Locke struggles mightily as the Pirates lost to the New York Yankees today by the final score of 7-2 at McKechnie Field.
After a fantastic start from Juan Nicasio yesterday, it was Jeff Locke's turn to step-up and prove he deserves the fifth starters spot. However, Locke struggled mightily in today's Pittsburgh Pirates 7-2 loss. Locke's inconsistency bit him in the butt again after a decent start his last time out where he threw 4.0 innings giving up two runs.
Today he was hit and hit hard as he threw 5.0 innings giving up 6 hits while walking two and striking out two. Locke needed a strong start today to save his chances at becoming the Pirates fifth starter, but his outing today might have hurt those chances. Locke has been an inconsistent pitcher throughout his major league career and that trend has continued this spring.
Of Locke's four outings this spring, He has two really good outings and two really bad outings. In the too good starts he only gave up two hits, but when he struggled he gave up four or more hits. Locke has to limit the number of hits he gives up throughout the season if he wants any shot at being successful at the major league level. Personally, I think he has very little chance at being the fifth starter, and if he continues this he might be out of the Pirates bullpen very quickly.
Mark Melancon came into the game next and had a very clean inning only giving up one hit and striking out one. Melancon set the single season save record for the Pirates last season and looks to be a dominant closer once again this season. So far, in limited spring action, he has looked solid and in mid-season form. It will be a big bonus for the Pirates to have a reliable arm closing out games for the Pirates in 2016.
Eric O'Flaherty came in next and struggled in his one inning of work. He gave up two runs, one earned, on two hits on the afternoon. O'Flaherty's spring ERA sits at 3.00, which is pretty respectable. O'Flaherty is currently fighting for a spot in the middle of the Pirates bullpen trying to revitalize his career. O'Flaherty has showed a lot of promise so far and has gone a long way to solidifying a role on this Pirates team. It may not be from the start of the season, but he will help this team at some point in 2016.
Non-roster invitee AJ Schugel came in next and threw 1.0 inning giving up one hit. Schugel was followed by Cory Luebke, who was making his first spring appearance. Luebke threw 1.0 inning giving up no hits and walking one. Luebke is coming back from a left elbow injury and is looking to get back on course with the Pirates.
At one point, he was regarded as one of the top prospects in major league baseball. However, the last time he pitched in the MLB was during the 2012 season when he went 3-1 in five games pitched with a 2.61 ERA. Another lefty option for the Pirates, Luebke looks to work with pitching guru Ray Searage to get back to his top prospect status.
Overall, today's game was the complete opposite of yesterday's contest. Locke struggled mightily in his start on the mound. Then the bullpen came in and pitched pretty well. In the end the offense was not enough to get past the Yankees. The Pirates scored early off of Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka, but couldn't get anything else going on the afternoon.
Andrew McCutchen got the scoring started hitting his third home run of the spring in inning number one. McCutchen finished the day going 1 for 3 with that home run and one RBI. McCutchen has had a great spring training so far hitting .273 with those three home runs. Unlike last season's struggles, McCutchen has been hot this spring and hopefully those numbers can transfer over to the regular season and he can lead the Pirates into victory.
John Jaso also had a good day for the Bucs going 2 for 3 with an RBI. Jaso is currently hitting .294 on the spring, and is working hard at the first base position. If Jaso can be a decent defensive player and produce on offense, he will be an upgrade over Pedro Alvarez at the position. While Jaso doesnt posses the power that Alvarez had, he has the ability to work the gaps and that will be a big plus for the Pirates this season.
David Freese made his Pirates debut today and went 1 for 2 on the day. Last year, Freese hit .257 for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim with 14 home runs and 56 RBI. Freese is a proven veteran bat and that will be key for the Pirates to have off of the bench this season. Freese provides insurance at first base and third base and could prove a key piece for the Pirates this season.
Overall, relief pitching did well today, but the bad start put a damper on things for the Pirates. On the offensive side, the team collected eight hits and only scored two runs. They left 15 men on base during the afternoon. This is a stat the Pirates need to work on this season. With a lack of power, driving guys in becomes more and more of a key and that is something the Pirates need to do this season.
The Pirates are back in action tomorrow as they take on the Philadelphia Phillies at 1:05 p.m. The Pirates will be facing a familiar foe as the Phillies send out Charlie Morton who in his only appearance of the spring pitched 2.1 innings and giving up one run on one hit while striking out two. The Pirates will send Gerrit Cole to the mound, who is also making his second appearance of the spring. His last time out Cole pitched 2.0 innings giving up two runs on two hits while striking out a batter.
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