Quinn Priester did not look comfortable in last night’s start.
I don’t like commenting or speculating on the mindset of a player during a game, but this case was rather obvious. Starting with a 3-0 lead, thanks to a home run by Alfonso Rivas, Priester allowed the Brewers to score two runs in a long first inning.
The Pirates scored three more in the second. Priester looked more composed for a bit with a four run lead, but allowed a two-out walk and a hit. Priester settled down in the third inning to retire the side in order. His comfort didn’t remain for long in the fourth.
The fourth inning ended on a challenge where the Pirates got the final out at second. Prior to that, it appeared that they didn’t get the out at second, and only got the final out after a run scored. Priester started the inning by loading the bases, giving up two walks. After a pop up and a strikeout, he allowed a hard grounder to third. Jared Triolo went to second base for the force out, with the runner being called safe. The play was challenged, and the final out was recorded. Priester didn’t allow a run on a walk and a hit. He still was visibly upset in the dugout after the inning, before the challenge removed the run.
Carlos Santana was the very first batter of the next inning, and homered to end Priester’s night. The Pirates went to Yerry De Los Santos with a three run lead, then added some insurance in the sixth inning.
QUICK PIRATES RECAP
The Pirates beat the Brewers 8-4.
Despite Priester dancing between raindrops in that fourth inning, he allowed three runs in four innings of work. The discouraging part about that is he was always pitching with a healthy lead. De Los Santos, Ryan Borucki, Colin Holderman, and David Bednar each pitched a scoreless inning in relief. Carmen Mlodzinski pitched an inning, allowing a run after three walks.
The Pirates were helped by four home runs on the night. Rivas hit a three run shot in the first. Henry Davis added a two run homer in the second inning. In the sixth, still maintaining a three run lead, the Pirates got back-to-back homers from Josh Palacios and Bryan Reynolds.
DAILY VIDEO RUNDOWN
Let’s look at all of those home runs from Friday night.
This was a good swing by Alfonso Rivas. He’s not attacking the ball with a home run swing, but just putting a good swing on the ball, his eyes tracking the entire way, with good slice to lift it over the wall.
Rivas homers! pic.twitter.com/3I0EProfS4
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) August 5, 2023
You’ve gotta love the smile from Henry Davis after rounding first base on this one. He didn’t get all of this, but got under it enough with power to send it out of the park.
Henry's turn! pic.twitter.com/CCgEfe0UoW
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) August 5, 2023
Josh Palacios continues doing damage at the MLB level, adding insurance in the sixth inning.
Another one pic.twitter.com/rZylvHpgu8
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) August 5, 2023
Bryan Reynolds followed Palacios, and now it’s getting like DJ Khaled. Another one!
…AND ANOTHER ONE pic.twitter.com/vXiCIwLteI
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) August 5, 2023
Tell ’em to bring out the whole ocean.
PIRATES ROSTER MOVES
- Andre Jackson was called up to the majors, after the Pirates placed Dauri Moreta on the 15-day disabled list with lower back inflammation. The Pirates acquired Jackson from the Dodgers for cash considerations on June 25th. He had a 3.38 ERA in 10.2 innings with Indianapolis, with a 13:6 K/BB ratio.
- Altoona activated catcher Carter Bins off the 60-day disabled list. They moved Abrahan Gutierrez to the 60-day disabled list. Bins homered for Altoona in his first game.
- The Pirates released outfielder Tanner Tredaway, who was their 10th round pick in 2022. Tredaway combined for a .153/.317/.191 line in 131 at-bats in the lower levels across the last two seasons. They also released Ronny Sanchez, a rookie ball infielder who they signed in 2018, but who never made it beyond the FCL.
- Roansy Contreras made his return to the mound, pitching two innings for the Bradenton Marauders.
AROUND THE SYSTEM
Catch up on all of the minor league action from Friday night in the Prospect Watch.
INDIANAPOLIS
Nick Gonzales made his return to Indianapolis on Friday, picking up two walks, two hits, and a stolen base.
ALTOONA
Tsung-Che Cheng extended his hitting streak to 12 games with Altoona, and Braxton Ashcraft made his latest start, going three shutout innings.
GREENSBORO
Bubba Chandler was the player of the day in the system, after pitching seven shutout innings.
BRADENTON
Roansy Contreras went two shutout innings for Bradenton in his first appearance in about a month.
ROOKIE LEVELS
Estuar Suero, acquired in the Rich Hill/Ji Man Choi trade, made his debut in the FCL on Friday with a hit and two walks.
Follow all of the nightly action in the Prospect Watch.
