Pirates’ opener experiment works, but late error dooms Bubba Chandler to loss

The Pittsburgh Pirates (34-32) lost their third game in a row on Sunday, June 7, falling 3-2 in Atlanta after squandering an early lead.

Scoring Plays

Top 1st, 1-0 PIT: Spencer Horwitz got the Pirates started with a leadoff home run, clubbing a 3-2 slider to right-center.

Top 3rd, 2-0 PIT: Pittsburgh loaded the bases with nobody out via two walks and an infield single. Nick Gonzales grounded into a double play, limiting the opportunity to do damage, but a run still crossed.

Bottom 7th, 3-2 ATL: The wheels came off in the seventh when a Tyler Callihan throwing error allowed the leadoff man aboard. Bubba Chandler struck out Austin Riley before throwing eight straight balls, prompting manager Don Kelly to phone the bullpen for Evan Sisk. Sisk allowed a bases-clearing double to Michael Harris II as the Pirates’ lead evaporated. 

Starting with left-hander Mason Montgomery as an opener took the onus off struggling starter Bubba Chandler. Montgomery loaded the bases in the first inning, but kept Atlanta off the board; Chandler pitched five strong innings before running into trouble in the seventh, the Pirates struggling after the leadoff man reached via error.

Pittsburgh loaded the bases in the eighth and Brandon Lowe hit a leadoff double in the ninth after an injury scare the previous day, but the Pirates couldn’t come up with the tying run.

Player of the Game

Horwitz, who went 2-for-3 with a home run and a walk and gave his team an early lead on the road.

Stat to Know

Despite five hits and four walks, the Pirates went 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position. Neither of those hits plated a run.

Notable Performances

• Spencer Horwitz: 2-for-3 with a home run and a walk
• Bubba Chandler: 5.1 IP, three runs (two earned) and two strikeouts

Noteworthy

Konnor Griffin will miss more time than originally expected because of his forearm strain, with Pirates general manager Ben Cherington announcing a more ‘conservative’ approach that will add ‘days’ to his recovery. He should still return soon, however.

Up Next

Pittsburgh will host the Los Angeles Dodgers for a three game set beginning on Tuesday, June 9, with staff ace Paul Skenes (6-5, 3.09 ERA, 82 SO) taking on Dodgers’ lefty Eric Lauer (2-5, 5.74 ERA, 31 SO) at 6:40 p.m.

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