Pirates fall 15-1 to Royals in season opener

The Bristol Pirates began their 2019 season on a down note on Tuesday night, as they fell 15-1 to the Burlington Royals.
Bristol avoided being shutout in the bottom of the ninth inning when first baseman Samuel Inoa hit a two-out single to right field to score right fielder Brendt Citta from third base. That would be the team's lone run, as catcher Mason Fishback struck out swinging to end the nearly three-and-a-half hour long game.

Tuesday marked the third consecutive home-opening loss for Bristol, and their seventh home-opener loss in the last eight seasons.
Starter Tahnaj Thomas recorded only one out in his Bristol debut, allowing four runs - two earned - on one hit and two walks to earn the loss Yoelvis Reyes and Enrique Santana combined to throw 5 2/3 innings of relief for the Pirates, allowing nine runs - eight earned - on nine hits and three walks with five strikeouts.
One of two returners from 2018, Oliver Garcia led the Pirates' pitching staff in the loss with two scoreless innings of relief - allowing only two walks while striking out three.
The first 10 Bristol batters were retired in order before shortstop Francisco Acuña reached base on a hit by pitch. Third baseman Matt Morrow stepped up to the plate next and lined a double to right field for Bristol's first hit of the season. Citta was hit by a pitch to load the bases with one out, but the Pirates were unable to score.
Citta ended the night 1-for-3 with a hit by pitch and a run scored, while Morrow was the only other Pirate to reach base twice as he went 1-for-3 with a double and a walk. Inoa and designated hitter Jean Valdez were the only other Pirates with a hit in the loss as they both finished 1-for-4.
The Pirates (0-1) will return to the field tomorrow night for the second game of their series against the Royals. Right-hander Luis Ortiz is the scheduled starter for Bristol on Military Appreciation Night at Boyce Cox Field. Wednesday night will also feature $1 hot dogs, and the first 200 fans to the game will receive a free PIrates cup.