Pirates come up short in 2-0 pitcher's duel against Yankees

Career nights from Tahnaj Thomas and Alex Roth were not enough to carry the Pirates on Saturday, as they fell 2-0 in the series opener against the Pulaski Yankees.
All of the Pirates offense in the loss came over the first three innings, as the Yankees pitching staff combined to retire the final 18 batters in a row. Thomas allowed the first run of the night on a two-out home run to Pulaski catcher Saul Torres in the second inning, and the Yankees would not score again until an eighth-inning double off Oliver Garcia.
Six days after setting a career-high with seven strikeouts against Pulaski, Thomas struck out eight Yankees over five innings while allowing one run on three hits. Thomas has now recorded 20 strikeouts over his last 14 2/3 innings of work, and he now leads the team with 21 strikeouts.
Roth set career-highs against the Yankees with two innings pitched and three strikeouts, while recording his first career appearance of not allowing a hit. Garcia closed out the game for Bristol, allowing one run on two hits with two strikeouts in an inning of relief.
Second baseman Josh Bissonette singled in the third inning for the team's only hit of the night, and he was the only Pirate to reach base twice as he went 1-for-3 with a walk. Shortstop Jesus Valdez and left fielder Jake Wright were the only other Pirates to reach base as they each drew a walk, while Wright also recorded his first career stolen base.
The Pirates (12-12) will return to Calfee Park on Sunday night as they try to even up the series. After the loss and an 8-4 win by Kingsport over Greeneville, the Pirates are now tied for third place with the Mets in the Appalachian League West Division.