Pirates Win Fourth in a Row on Kevin Newman's Walk-Off Home Run
The Pittsburgh Pirates were an out away from loss 92 when Kevin Newman hit a 2-run walk-off homer - giving the Pirates their fourth straight win.
Once again the Pirate lineup was full of players anyone outside of Pittsburgh would not recognize, but once again they managed solid offensive output en route to the win.
The Pirates scored 5 earned runs (6 total) - all of them driven in by rookie Kevin Newman. Newman has been one of the few bright spots this season - batting .310 and providing solid defense in the middle of the infield. The game-winner was Newman's second on the night. He hit a 3-run shot in the fifth as well.
Outside of Newman, the highlight for me was the bullpen play. Pirate relievers have been rocked all season, but have been uncharacteristically strong during the Buc's four-game win streak. They've allowed only 4 runs through 14 innings pitched during the streak. For some teams, that stat line is a norm. For the 2019 Pirates, it's almost headline-worthy.
There was a lot to like from Steven Brault tonight, and a lot not to like. His 10 Ks through five innings grabs your attention, but the 4 free passes are concerning. If it wasn't for the walks, Brault only allowed 4 hits and would have had a masterpiece on his hands.
James Marvel will be going tomorrow for the Pirates. We've seen the other two rookie starters end their seasons on a positive note - a trend Marvel desperately needs to continue after giving up 14 ER (through 12.1 innings) in his only three starts of his major league career. Marvel was recently the recipient of the Pirate's Minor League Pitcher of the Year award. So, he will be taking the mound tomorrow trying to prove that his success is not exclusive to the minors.