For the first time in over 100 years, the Pirates have opened the season with a sweep on the road. The Pirates won all four games in Miami against the Marlins, the final game including a comeback from 5-0 down to win it 9-7 in extra innings.
Pittsburgh opened the year with a 12-inning game over the Marlins to claim a 6-5 win. In game two, the Pirates were much more assertive, winning 7-2, and dominated Miami in game three, 9-3.
Today’s game, however, opened with a very different feeling. After three losses to open the year, it looked like the Marlins were going to take it to the Pirates today.
With Bailey Falter on the mound and, on the face of it, a weaker looking lineup for the Bucs, it looked as though today was Miami’s day, and that started with the very first inning.
Falter walked two batters to open the bottom of the first, and after the Marlins already collected a run, Jazz Chisholm smacks one for a grand slam.
It was a disastrous opening to the season for Falter, and one that showcased exactly why he should not be in the rotation for the Pirates for another day, let alone another month.
Falter would last 4.0 innings in total, being charged with 6 runs on a miserable day. With that grand slam, the Pirates were put in quite the hole early on, but these battlin’ Bucs didn’t stay deep down for long.
In the top of the second, Pittsburgh responded. Just like we all expected, noted big league batter Alika Williams notched a triple to left field, which scored Jack Suwinski and Jared Triolo to get the Pirates on the board at 5-2.
Bryan Reynolds added a rare infield hit as well, which made it a 5-3 ballgame before the inning was out. In the fourth, Ke’Bryan Hayes added an RBI single to make it a 5-4 game.
But one of the biggest plays of the day came off the bat of Rowdy Tellez. After a tough, hard fought at bat against Marlins long-reliever Vladimir Gutierrez, Tellez slams a no doubter home run to lift the Pirates from a 6-4 deficit to a 7-6 lead.
With the early strong performance of Connor Joe this season, there has not been a ton of support for Tellez to start the year, and some bemoaned the idea of him starting today at first base. Rowdy held his own, however, and along with this beautiful bomb, was also more than capable at the first base bag.
The Pirates held that lead through the bottom of the ninth inning, where a rare slip up by closer David Bednar allowed Nick Gordon to fire off a solo shot to tie the game.
With momentum back on Miami’s side, the game went to extras, and what was a problem for the Pirates last year has turned into a big-time strength.
The Bucs perfectly executed the small ball strategy to score two runs in the tenth and secure a 9-7 lead.
Pittsburgh’s bullpen was as good as advertised. After Falter was taken out of the game, the Pirates surrendered just one run in six innings. Luis Ortiz provided some much needed stability on the mound for the Bucs as the first reliever for Falter, and players like Ryan Borucki and Aroldis Chapman delivered deadly punchouts.
And in the tenth, Hunter Stratton would take care of things to secure the win. Over this four-game opening series, the Pirates have had a pitcher record a career first in every game.
Game 1: Jose Hernandez recorded his first career save
Game 2: Ryder Ryan recorded his first career win
Game 3: Jared Jones recorded his first career win
Game 4: Hunter Stratton recorded his first career save
I want to be cautious about this team, because last year’s 20-8 start really tricked me. But, if this first week has shown us anything, this Pirates team is not only going to be a lot of fun to watch, but they are going to be pretty competitive as well.
(Featured photo from the Pittsburgh Pirates)
Fifth Avenue Sports 
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