The Pirates' 15-3 loss to the Twins today in Fort Myers, Fla. was brutal. That's easily said.
A few takeaways:
• Matt Gorski and Darick Hall both continue to display their power. Both hit towering home runs, their fourth and second, respectively, in the ninth inning. Hall went to right and Gorski to left center. Both balls left the ball park in a hurry and gave the Pirates their only offense of the game. It would be great to see if they can have success against major-league pitching in the Pirates' final 10 spring training games.
• The combination of Jack Carey, David Bednar and Joey Wentz allowed 13 total runs, 10 of which were earned. Given his status as the closer, I'm going to specifically focus on Bednar in this instance -- Carey is a minor-leaguer who was brought on to finish the fifth and Wentz is a fringe reliever in a bullpen that has been strong. I was down in the clubhouse when Bednar threw, but went back and looked through his pitch charts and he was nowhere near the strike zone in some instances. Just seemed like an off day. He's been strong this spring and had only allowed one earned run and four hits during his first four appearances.
• I really liked Jack Suwinski's approach at the plate today. He was aggressive in his first two at-bats by swinging at the first pitch. He sent a ball to the warning track in right field in to start the game. Then, with two runners on in the top of the 5th, he understood the situation and was patient enough to draw a six-pitch walk after going down 1-2.
• After a slow start, Isiah Kiner-Falefa has also put together a decent March with a .375 average. He doubled again today and while results don't mean much in spring, it's something to keep an eye on. I'm looking to speak with him in the next few days about his approach at the plate and his move back to shortstop full time.
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THE ASYLUM
Greg Macafee
8:55 pm - 03.13.2025Fort Myers, Fla.Hall, Gorski flash power in loss
The Pirates' 15-3 loss to the Twins today in Fort Myers, Fla. was brutal. That's easily said.
A few takeaways:
• Matt Gorski and Darick Hall both continue to display their power. Both hit towering home runs, their fourth and second, respectively, in the ninth inning. Hall went to right and Gorski to left center. Both balls left the ball park in a hurry and gave the Pirates their only offense of the game. It would be great to see if they can have success against major-league pitching in the Pirates' final 10 spring training games.
• The combination of Jack Carey, David Bednar and Joey Wentz allowed 13 total runs, 10 of which were earned. Given his status as the closer, I'm going to specifically focus on Bednar in this instance -- Carey is a minor-leaguer who was brought on to finish the fifth and Wentz is a fringe reliever in a bullpen that has been strong. I was down in the clubhouse when Bednar threw, but went back and looked through his pitch charts and he was nowhere near the strike zone in some instances. Just seemed like an off day. He's been strong this spring and had only allowed one earned run and four hits during his first four appearances.
• I really liked Jack Suwinski's approach at the plate today. He was aggressive in his first two at-bats by swinging at the first pitch. He sent a ball to the warning track in right field in to start the game. Then, with two runners on in the top of the 5th, he understood the situation and was patient enough to draw a six-pitch walk after going down 1-2.
• After a slow start, Isiah Kiner-Falefa has also put together a decent March with a .375 average. He doubled again today and while results don't mean much in spring, it's something to keep an eye on. I'm looking to speak with him in the next few days about his approach at the plate and his move back to shortstop full time.
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