The Bristol Pirates came out on the losing end of a pitcher's duel on Wednesday night as they fell 1-0 to the Burlington Royals.The lone run of the game came in the top of the eighth inning, when Burlington first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino scored on a wild pitch from Bristol
The Bristol Pirates came out on the losing end of a pitcher's duel on Wednesday night as they fell 1-0 to the Burlington Royals.
The lone run of the game came in the top of the eighth inning, when Burlington first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino scored on a wild pitch from Bristol pitcher Yordi Rosario. The Pirates threatened to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth inning, but a swinging strike out ended the night to drop Bristol to 0-2 on the season.
Bristol starter Luis Ortiz threw five scoreless innings in the game, allowing two hits and one walk while striking out four. Despite being credited with the loss, Luis Arrieta recorded a game-high five strikeouts over 2 2/3 innings and allowed one run on one hit and four walks.
Three Pirates made their professional debuts in the game. Third baseman Aaron Shackelford - Pittsburgh's 14th round draft pick - went 1-for-3 with a walk and a double in his first career plate appearance. Catcher Eli Wilson - Pittsburgh's 16th round pick - ended the night 1-for-4 at the plate, while second baseman Josh Bissonette - Pittsburgh's 31st round pick - went 0-for-3 in the loss.
First baseman Brendt Citta accounted for the team's only other hit with a double in the seventh inning. Designated hitter Matt Morrow and left fielder Jean Eusebio finished with two walks each.
The Pirates (0-2) will look for their first win of 2019 in the series finale against Burlington on Thursday night at 6:30. Jose Maldonado will get the start for the Pirates as he makes his season debut. Thursday is Bristol Herald Courier Night at Boyce Cox Field, where fans will receive a free 2019 Bristol Pirates magnetic schedule courtesy of the Bristol Herald Courier.
