Article author:
Reuters
The gap between visiting the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Yankees can be easily found in records, statistical comparisons and salaries, but it's not the only one.
Or, at least, the first half of the two-game series between clubs ending in Pittsburgh on Wednesday isn't over. Pirates put together a powerful game in every way to make the series opener 5-2 on Tuesday. The
2 game series sweep may seem overwhelming, but it's 14 games less than .500 and at least some importance to the partially rebuilt Pirates team. there is. Yankees are the top teams in baseball.
"This team will fight," said Jack Swinski, Pittsburgh outfielder.
"We are a really good team. I believe. Everyone in the clubhouse believes in it. We all play with the best teams and good I believe we can put the game together. "
In late May, Pirates went to Los Angeles when the Dodgers set a new baseball record and swept the three-game series. Pittsburgh manager Derek Shelton said such games and Tuesday games could be a powerful educational moment for young players.
"If you pay attention to the little things, I think they show them that the little things are important," Shelton said.
Yankees will be able to use a few more small ones, the big ones, at the series finale on Wednesday.
New York escaped a 2-0 road loss against the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday, so the Yankees powerhouse lineup achieved just two runs in two consecutive losses. ..
One of Yankees' great hitters, the first baseman, Anthony Rizzo, had a slow scratch on Tuesday's lineup and a low back stiffness. It sounds like he could miss the finale of the series too.
"He just couldn't loosen," said New York manager Aaron Boon. "It may take a few days."
Pirates try to give the Yankees a second three-game skid on Wednesday. New York's right-handed Luis Severino (4-3, 3.35 ERA) will compete with Pittsburgh's right-handed Mitch Keller (2-5, 5.14).
Severino struggled against the Houston Astros on Thursday when he gave up two runs and three hits in six innings. He hit four and walked two.
"I think he was really good," Boone said. "He was really consistent to us and I think his stuff was great. To me he looks like a pitcher — and perhaps a more sophisticated version of the pitcher — this league and his young It's been a huge success in my career.
"We feel like we've regained Sevy, and that was the most encouraging thing."
Severino said in 2017. In 2018, he formed the American League All-Star Team and finished 3rd and 9th in the ALCy Young vote that year, respectively.
He has never faced Pittsburgh.
Similarly, Keller, who has never faced the Yankees, made a rough outing with his latest start at a time when it could be the make or break season.
On June 29, Keller gave up 5 runs, 4 wins and 9 hits with 4 or more innings in 4 strikeouts and 4 walks. , Did not make a decision against Washington Nationals. Since he returned to rotation at the end of May, this was the only time he allowed three or more runs with six starts.
– Field-level media
