Pirates Baseball started their fall exhibition season with a pair of wins on the road against Central Methodist University on Tuesday.
In the opener, Jay Greco got the win out of the bullpen as the Pirates took a 10-6 decision. Keven Franco tossed three stellar innings in the start before getting into trouble in the 4th inning. He surrendered 4 runs, all earned, in that frame. "Keven dominated in his start until his command started to leave him in the 4th inning. As the fall progresses, we expect him to stay sharp deeper into his pitch count as his arm gets in better shape," commented Coach Suttenfield. Koby Linder bridged the game to Greco who pitched an inning and two thirds for the win.
Offensively, the Pirates struggled to get traction in the beginning. However, as the game wore on and the Pirates were able to get into the CMU bullpen, the bats came alive. The team plated 4 runs in the 5th and 7th innings, proving to be enough. Individual standouts in the contest were Braedyn Brewer (1-2, 2 runs and 2 BB) and Tye Huff (3-3, 2 runs and 2 RBI).
Game two saw four Pirates pitchers combine to toss a no-hitter in the 9-1 victory. Colin Craig got the start and win pitching the first 3 innings. He struck out 3 while walking 4.
Offensively, the Pirates got production up and down the lineup, totaling 9 runs on 16 hits. Leading the way was Albert Gonzalez (2-2, 2 runs, 2 RBIs, 1 HR). "We had better hitting approaches in the second game. Instead of taking big swings and looking for home runs, we got the barrel to the ball and just tried to hit it hard," detailed Coach Hudlow.
Next up for NCMC will be Highland Community College on October 1st.