Pirates swept by Royals with 10-2 loss

The Bristol Pirates dropped the series finale with the Burlington Royals 10-2 on Thursday night as the Pirates were swept at home to start 2019.
Thursday marked the first home-opening sweep against Bristol since 2017 when the Greeneville Astros defeated the Pirates in three games. The series with Burlington also marked the third time in the last four seasons that the Pirates were swept at home by the Royals.

Bristol starter Jose Maldonado cruised through the first three innings, allowing two hits and one walk while holding Burlington scoreless. The Royals struck in the top of the fourth inning, as first baseman Logan Porter launched a two-run home run to center field. Burlington carried the momentum from there, as they scored eight runs over the next three innings.
The Pirates were held hitless through the first six innings of the game by Burlington starter Adrian Alcantara and Malcolm Van Buren. After right fielder Brendt Citta reached base on a dropped third strike and shortstop Jesus Valdez drew a six-pitch walk, second baseman Francisco Acuna lined a double down the left field line that just stayed fair to drive in Citta and Valdez. Center fielder Daniel Rivero and third baseman Matt Morrow would each single in the eighth inning, but they would be the final base runners of the night for Bristol.
Acuna finished 1-for-4 with a double and two RBI for Bristol, while Rivero ended the night 1-for-3 with a walk. Three 2019 draft picks made their professional debut in the loss, with catcher Ethan Goforth (25th round) and Ernny Ordonez (33rd round) both finishing 0-for-4, while pitcher Samson Abernathy (27th round) threw a perfect inning of relief for the Pirates.
The Pirates (0-3) will look to turn their season around on Friday night when they kick off a three-game series against the Greeneville Reds. Dante Mendoza will get the start for Bristol as he makes his first appearance in the Pittsburgh system after being acquired in November from Cleveland.
Due to logistical difficulties, the Craft Beer Night promotion scheduled for Friday has been cancelled. As a result, it will be Bristol Herald Courier Appreciation Night again at Boyce Cox Field, with fans receiving a free 2019 Pirates magnetic schedule while supplies last.