4 Homers Couldn’t Help the Pirates Beat the Braves

At ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Monday, the Braves beat the Pirates 7-5. Despite 4 home runs and a last ditch effort, the Pirates couldn’t catch up to the Braves’ bats.

Pitching

It’s Spring Training, so obviously there were multiple pitching changes throughout the game.

Starting on the mound for the Braves was RHP Brandon McCarthy. McCarthy is a new addition to the Braves. The past three seasons McCarthy played for the Detroit Tigers. Last season he played in 19 games, had 72 strikeouts and a 3.98 ERA.

VIDEO: Brandon McCarthy talks about todays outing against the Pirates at Disney. #Braves pic.twitter.com/brb23BSJgT

— 680 The Fan (@680TheFan) March 5, 2018

McCarthy gave up 3 hits, 1 run and no walks through 3.2 innings, before being replaced by A.J. Minter with two outs in the 4th. He finished the inning with a strikeout. Minter only pitched for 1.1 innings. The five pitchers for the Braves that followed only pitched one inning or less.

During the game, the Braves gave up 7 hits, 5 runs, 4 walks and they struckout 9.

For the Pirates, RHP Chad Kuhl started 2.1 innings and gave up 5 hits for 3 runs. The Pirates went through four additional pitchers in the game.

Throughout the game, the Pirates gave up 11 hits, 7 runs and 3 walks. They also had 9 strikeouts.

Key Moments For Braves

Mid-game is when things got rollin’ for both teams. The third inning was huge for the Braves. Right fielder Danny Santana singled to center. Center fielder Ender Inciarte singled to right. With runners on the corners, Ozzie Albies drove in Santana with a fly ball out to RF. Then Albies showed off his speed and stole second. Johan Camargo singled to right to bring in both Inciarte and Albies.

Some Ozzie Albies BP from this morning. #Braves pic.twitter.com/QjMeVxvD6f

— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) March 5, 2018

They had to bring the ice out in the 5th, after left fielder Ronald Acuna was hit by a pitch. Christian Pache came in to pinch run. Then things got real exciting! With the bases loaded, Christian Colon hit a double to left field that scored Camargo, Pache and Tucker.

Home Run or Bust

Offensively, the Pirates seemed to only be capable of hitting dingers. Up until the 9th inning, the 4 runs Pitt had on the board came from solo home runs.

🚨Dinger Alert🚨
Ok this is getting a little out-of-hand,
The Pirates just can’t seem to score without a Home Run! This time Jordan Luplow got the homer for Pittsburgh.

ATL 7 | PITT 4 T9 #GrapeFruitGators #Braves #Pirates

— Sarah Carlie (@SarahCarlieUF) March 5, 2018

In the 9th, the Pirates really tried to make it a game. They loaded the bases, and pitcher Rex Brothers for the Braves walked a runner in to score. However, after that the Braves brought in Miguel Socolovich to pitch to Bostick who flyed-out to center to end the game.

Up Next

Tuesday, the Braves play the Blue Jays away at Dunedin Stadium. On Wednesday, the Pirates play the Blue Jays away at Dunedin Stadium.