The Pirates got what they needed from Marco Gonzales in his debut with the team. Gonzales went five-plus innings, allowing just one run, which came in the third inning as the Pirates held a two run lead.
Gonzales allowed two walks and four hits, striking out two on the day. He came out for the sixth inning with a 3-1 lead and allowed a single and a walk to start the frame. The Pirates turned to Roansy Contreras, who got out of the jam with two strikeouts and a ground out.
Contreras was expected to give the Pirates multiple innings this year out of the bullpen, but that didn’t go well today. He returned for the seventh inning, and after picking up a strikeout, he allowed a single and a game tying homer. After a walk to follow the homer, Contreras got two fly outs to end the frame.
The offense immediately bailed Contreras out. Michael A. Taylor led off the eighth inning with a single — one of three hits on the day for Taylor. He was bunted over to second, and scored on a Connor Joe double. Joe later scored on a Ke’Bryan Hayes double. Hayes then scored on an RBI single by Andrew McCutchen, who picked up his first two hits of the season. That put Contreras in line for the win, with a three run lead.
Ryder Ryan came in and pitched a scoreless eighth inning, helping a depleted bullpen. The Pirates scored two more in the ninth inning on a two run double by Bryan Reynolds. Ryan came back out for the save, but gave up an RBI single with two outs. That brought on a save situation, leading to Aroldis Chapman coming in for the one out save to wrap up the 8-4 victory.
This wasn’t the cleanest or most comfortable win. The Pirates probably want Gonzales going beyond five innings in the future. They probably want better results in the second inning from relievers on days where the bullpen is depleted. But this offense doesn’t quit. It never feels like they’re out of the mix, especially after battling back three times this year. This was just a win by a good team, improving the Pirates to 5-0 to start the year.
STATCAST HEROES
The performance of Taylor early in the season, plus the swing and miss stuff from Ryder Ryan, have been pleasant surprises. Henry Davis added two doubles, and looks comfortable behind the plate. Here are the stats from the game.
DAILY VIDEO RUNDOWN
Connor Joe has been on fire to start the season, picking up two hard hits tonight, including this double to regain the lead in the eighth inning.
Connor Joe delivers again! pic.twitter.com/2FQ7L7QI98
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) April 1, 2024
The movement from Ryder Ryan’s pitches is ridiculous.
Ryder Ryan, Filth. 😷 pic.twitter.com/vIAIIASGfM
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 1, 2024
Bryan Reynolds has a 1.031 OPS early in the season, and added some insurance with this double to right.
Leaving no doubt. pic.twitter.com/G5Zn5FbCbR
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) April 1, 2024
PROSPECT WATCH
There were no minor league games today, but the weekly Prospect Watch looked at all of the notable performers from last week’s games.
Prospect Watch: Paul Skenes and Jared Jones Will Be A Dangerous Combo
TODAY: PIRATES (4-0) OFF
The Pirates are off today, getting a break after a great start to the season. Down in Triple-A, Indianapolis takes on Memphis in their home opener. Cam Alldred is on the mound for the Indians. The other minor league affiliates begin their seasons on Friday.
PIRATES PROSPECTS DAILY
Every Monday this year, check out the Prospect Watch to read about the best performers from the previous week. The daily Prospect Watch will be featured in this article, highlighting the top performances each day. This week’s Prospect Watch feature highlighted the 2024 debuts from Paul Skenes and Jared Jones.
Prospect Watch: Paul Skenes and Jared Jones Will Be A Dangerous Combo
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THIS WEEK ON PIRATES PROSPECTS
Check the site at noon on Tuesday for the latest premium article drop, which will feature the site’s top 50 prospect rankings, plus players to watch for each team. You need to be a subscriber on Patreon to access the rankings. You also get these articles below, which feature six of the top ten prospects in the system. Subscribe today to support my work in the 16th year of this site.
**Paul Skenes Predicts the Pirates Will Be Winning For a Long Time
The 2023 first overall pick, number one pitching prospect in the game, and number one prospect in the Pirates’ system is expected to arrive in Pittsburgh this summer. Paul Skenes notes that he’s only one man, and feels the Pirates have enough talent to win for a long time.
**Jared Jones Forces the Pirates Hand
After an impressive Spring Training, Jared Jones has made the Pirates’ Opening Day rotation. This was far from a guarantee at the start of camp, but the performance from Jones and the development of his secondary stuff was enough to force the Pirates to make a decision.
**Termarr Johnson Just Wants to Win, Including One Day in Pittsburgh
The Pirates drafted Termarr Johnson fourth overall in 2022, and the 19-year-old infielder has shown advanced contact abilities, plate patience, and surprising power. He also has a competitive drive, wanting to win everywhere he goes, including one day in Pittsburgh.
**Bubba Chandler Shows Advanced Maturity Entering Third Pro Season
After a break to reset in the middle of 2023, Bubba Chandler had some of the best numbers in the Pittsburgh Pirates system in the second half. The right-handed pitcher continues to progress this spring, working on his changeup while bringing a mature approach to his game.
Tsung-Che Cheng is no stranger to international competition and playing in front of large crowds. He also has some of the best contact skills in the Pirates’ system, and walks to the plate playing “Fast Car” by Luke Combs. Read about the man nicknamed “Z”.
**Lonnie White Jr. Shows a Competitive Drive and Quick Learning Ability
Lonnie White Jr. was drafted 64th overall in 2021, signing with the Pirates rather than going to Penn State as a two-sport athlete. Injuries slowed the start of his career, but he returned in 2023, with some of the best numbers in the system during the second half.
SONG OF THE DAY
