COMON Network

By COMON Network Team

Final Score – Pittsburgh Pirates (16-39) 3 def. Chicago Cubs (32-23) 2

WP: Richard Rodriguez (3-2) LP: Andrew Chaffin (1-2) SV: N/A

The Pirates won a game for a change tonight, beating the Chicago Cubs 3-2 at PNC Park.  

Pittsburgh got the scoring started in the bottom of the second on a double by Erik Gonzalez, and added insurance in the fifth on an Adam Frazier double. It looked like that was all the offense Steven Brault needed, as he followed up a complete-game effort Thursday night with seven shutout innings tonight. It wouldn’t be that simple, however. 

The Cubs tied it in the eighth on a two-run shot by Anthony Rizzo off reliever Sam Howard. It stayed 2-2 until the bottom of the ninth, when Jacob Stallings ended it on a solo homer.

The series continues tomorrow at 7:05.  

COMON Network Team Commentary

KYLE DAWSON

• Steven Brault was great his last time and good again tonight, but let’s pump the brakes on celebrating him as the savior of the pitching staff. He had seven hard-hit balls off him tonight in seven innings. Granted, he only allowed two hits, but he also walked three and hit a couple hitters. Too much traffic, but good on him to work out of everything he worked himself into. That’s a good finish to the year for Brault, but to me he doesn’t project as anything better than a long man or maybe a No. 5. His fastball played well tonight. I probably sound a bit harsh. The Bucs’ starters have been really good the last few nights to a week.
• With one swing, and he of course has been really good before this, Jacob Stallings accomplished more for the city of Pittsburgh than his father did. I’m not sure if there is a Team MVP named that it’s anybody but Stallings.
• I know we’ve talked about this before, but man Ke’Bryan Hayes is LEGIT. He makes things look so easy over at third base. He’s got a bright future.

Player of the Game – Steven Brault (PIT)

JOE SMELTZER

• Brault’s past two starts have been magnificent, and he’s been pretty good for the whole season as well. He’s a guy that, at his best, would be a bottom two starter in most rotations. If he keeps performing well, however, he’s a good bet to be at the top of the Pirates staff next year along with Joe Musgrove and Mitch Keller.  
• The Pirates pitched well, played good defense and got hits when they needed to against a legitimate World Series contender. It’s not something we see much, but it’s fantastic when we 
• Jacob Stallings is my pick for Pirates team MVP this season, for whatever that is worth. In any case, Stallings has had a fantastic season, and tonight might have been his signature moment.  

Player of the Game – Jacob Stallings (PIT)

DONNY CHEDRICK

• Sophomore slump. Last season Bryan Reynolds looked like a great find for the Pirates after being acquired in the deal that sent Andrew McCutchen from Pittsburgh to San Francisco. This season, albeit a shortened one, has been beyond forgettable for Reynolds. An 0-4 night with three strikeouts took his average to .178, his on-base percentage to .272 and his slugging to .325. It has not been a year to forget for Bryan Reynolds. Luckily, it’s almost over.
• Another great start. Steven Brault made his first start since his complete game effort and he didn’t disappoint. Seven innings, two hits, six punch outs — a terrific outing. Only to be spoiled by the Buccos’ bullpen when Anthony Rizzo hit a two-run shot off Sam Howard in the eighth. At this point, wins and losses don’t matter, but you have to be happy with the direction Brault is going as he finishes his 2020 campaign.
• Good for Stallings. He’s been one of the most consistent guys on the roster in this shortened season. Perhaps the best one. He got the first walk-off home run of 2020 for the Pirates. Nobody on the team right now more deserving than him. Pirates win.

Player of the Game – Steven Brault (PIT)