In Venezuelan League playoffs last night, Darren Ford went 0-for-4, as his team dropped their opening playoff game 8-1. Ford was the only Pirates player in Venezuela to play yesterday.
In the Dominican, Felix Pie and Alex Valdez saw their playoff struggles continue as their team dropped to 0-5 in the round robin tournament. Valdez went 0-for-3, dropping his average to .105 in 19 AB’s, while Pie is now 3-for-19(.158) with just one run scored.
In Australian Baseball League action from today, Zac Fuesser picked up his third win, going five innings in Adelaide’s 7-3 win over Sydney. Fuesser allowed three runs on six hits and three walks, with four strikeouts. All of the damage came in the third inning, as Sydney hit two homers in the frame. Fuesser threw 82 pitches, 53 for strikes. He now has a 3-3, 3.88 record in nine starts, with 43 strikeouts in 46.1 innings.
Today marked the return of Quincy Latimore to the ABL. He played for Adelaide during the 2010-11 season, when he hit .313 in 31 games, with five homers and 25 RBI’s. Latimore batted fifth and played right field, going 1-for-4, with a run scored and an RBI. He collected an RBI single in his first AB.
Stefan Welch took his normal spot in the order, batting third and playing third base. He hit a solo homer with two outs in the second inning to give Fuesser and Adelaide an early 5-0 lead. It was the fourth home run of the season for Welch, who went 1-for-5, with two strikeouts on the day.
Also of note from Australia, Sam Kennelly has left the Perth Heat to play in the U18 National Youth Championships. The tournament runs from Jan. 12-20.
For a list of Pittsburgh Pirates players still participating in Winter League ball, check the link here.
