Pirates Get To Pesky Pitcher Early In Win Over Cardinals

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Andre Pallante has given the Pittsburgh Pirates fits over the past two seasons.

Last season, Pallante started three games against the Pirates and allowed just two runs over 20 innings. Earlier this season, he fired seven innings of one-hit baseball at PNC Park. Pallante had thrown 41 innings against the Pirates entering Tuesday’s contest and had allowed 10 runs. That’s good for a 2.20 ERA.

The Pirates put that narrative to rest early on Tuesday, though. In the first inning, the Pirates scored four runs before recording an out. Their fifth run came on their first out of the game, a sacrifice fly by Henry Davis.

Pittsburgh entered the game with a clear approach. Each of the first six Pirates’ hitters reached base safely. Oneil Cruz drew an eight-pitch walk, while the other five recorded singles or doubles. All five hits came against fastballs. Jack Suwinski doubled on the third pitch; the other four hits came on the first or second pitch of the at-bat.

Pallante doesn’t generate many strikeouts. His putaway rates with his breaking balls are low as well. Despite that, the Pirates came into the game with a plan to jump on early fastballs, and it paid dividends for them.

In the second inning, Pallante changed his approach and started four of the five hitters off with breaking balls. The Pirates countered by remaining patient and plating two more runs in the inning.

Pittsburgh hasn’t been a strong offensive team this season, but seeing them execute a game plan and adjust with the pitcher was a sign of improvement. While their playoff hopes are all but gone, the next month of the season is crucial for planning the future.

The Pirates beat the Cardinals, 8-3. They’re scheduled to play the third game of a four-game series on Wednesday.

More MLB: Pirates Activate Oneil Cruz From Injured List In Flurry Of Roster Moves