The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-2 Thursday afternoon, completing a three-game series sweep.
The Pirates struck out 13 games in Thursday’s game, seven were on called third-strikes by the home-plate umpire. They managed just four hits in the game, but made it close by scoring twice in the ninth inning.
Pirates starting pitcher Vince Velasquez left after the third inning with right elbow discomfort. He had allowed a run on two hits before leaving the game.
Pirate reliever Colin Holderman had an “immaculate inning” in the seventh inning. He struck out all three batters he faced on nine pitches.
The Pirates open a three game series with the Toronto Blue Jays tonight at PNC Park. First pitch is 6:35pm. Pre-game on WISR begins at 6:10pm.
The Bucs are now 20-12 overall, and continue to lead the Milwaukee Brewers by 1-1/2 games in the National League Central Division. The Brewers were just swept by Colorado. The Rockies come to Pittsburgh Monday.
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