For a season preview of the Pittsburgh Pirates two Dominican Summer League teams, check out our article here. Throughout the year, we will provide the recaps of both teams, as well as highlight one player each day. 
PIRATES1
Result: Pirates 5, Phillies 3
Starting Pitcher: Jandy Vasquez, RHP (1-1, 5.20) – 5.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, 1 HR
Top Hitter: Reggie Cerda, C (.211) – 2-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI
Other Notable Performers:
Julio de la Cruz, DH (.209) – 1-for-4, 2B, RBI
Marcus Beltrez, LHP (2.29) – 3.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 0 HR
Tito Polo, LF (.313) – 1-for-2, HR, RBI, BB, SB
Johan De Jesus, SS (.174) – 0-for-2, BB
Game Notes: The Pirates broke a three game losing streak with a 5-3 win over the Phillies on Tuesday. Starter Jandy Vasquez picked up his first career win, though he should have won his last start when he threw five no-hit innings. The Pirates were able to break a 3-3 tie with a run in the bottom of the fifth, while Marcus Beltrez(3 IP) and Jonathan Minier finished off the game with a combined four scoreless innings. Minier, pitching in just his second pro game at age twenty-three, picked up his first career save. Tito Polo hit his second home run of the season, scored two runs and stole his 15th base. He was the only Pirates player successful in the team’s five stolen base attempts. Julio de la Cruz drove in his 19th run of the season. He also has 19 base hits this year.
PIRATES2
Result: Cardinals 7, Pirates 2
Starting Pitcher: Dario Agrazal Jr, RHP (1.59) – 5.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 0 HR
Top Hitter: Michael de la Cruz, CF (.312) – 4-for-4, 3B, SB
Other Notable Performers:
Jhoan Herrera, 3B (.245) – 0-for-4
Richard Mitchell, RHP (2-2, 4.26) – 1.0 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 1 K, 0 HR
Yoel Gonzalez, C (.138) – DNP
Game Notes: After winning three straight games last week, the Pirates lost for a fourth straight time, dropping their record under the .500 mark. Michael de la Cruz returned to the field for the first time in five games(minor shoulder injury) and had an outstanding game. He had four hits, including his second triple of the season. He also stole a base and had an outfield assist. Dario Agrazal Jr continues to look good in his first season of pro ball. He now has a 1.59 ERA after seven starts, with six walks allowed, no homers and a .260 BAA. Agrazal got the no-decision today and still has a perfect 4-0 record. Relievers Richard Mitchell and Luylli Miranda each gave up three runs in one inning of work.
Player Of The Day
On Monday, Jose Regalado pitched 4.1 innings and picked up the loss. While the overall results weren’t that good that game (3 R in 4.1 IP), Regalado continued to show two impressive qualities, great control and strong strikeout rate. With no walks and five strikeouts, he now has a 2/35 BB/K rate in 34.1 innings this year. He also has an impressive .197 BAA. According to someone very familiar with the two DSL Pirates teams, Regalado is the best pitcher right now on either team.
Regalado is a 6’3″ right-hander, who is 21-years-old. He is in his third season in the league, although his 2011 season consisted of just five innings over four relief appearances. Last year, Regalado got plenty of time on the mound, making ten starts and four relief appearances. He was 5-1, 3.45 in 57.1 innings, with 16 walks, 41 strikeouts and he didn’t allow a single home run. He also had a strong 1.42 GO/AO ratio. This year, he gave up his first career homer, which came in his first start of the season. With the stats he is putting up so far this year and the high praise from someone who has seen him pitch numerous times, Regalado is a pitcher to watch in the DSL.
Injury Updates
The Pirates have had to go to some unfamiliar players at first base this season, due to a rash of ankle injuries to their normal first baseman.
Yunelky Adames is the worst among the group. He looked to be breaking out in a big way, hitting five homers through his first 19 games, but Adames broke his ankle and he is done for the season.
Jose Salazar injured his ankle hitting the first base bag awkwardly. He has missed three weeks already, but should return in a week or so.
Dennis Hurtarte injured his ankle when a runner spiked him, requiring stitches. He has missed 11 days, but could return tomorrow if the trainer gives him the okay to play.
