The Texas Rangers defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-1 last night in the opening game of a three-game series. Rangers starting pitcher Kumar Rocker allowed a run over six innings, and centerfielder Evan Carter robbed Oneil Cruz of what would have been a three-run home run.
Carmen Mlodzinski started for the Pirates. He allowed all five earned runs in 4-1/3rd innings. He allowed six hits and struck out six. The Pirates also had six hits, but none for extra-bases.
The Pirates were without Brandon Lowe and Spencer Horwitz last night. Lowe is dealing with knee discomfort and was scheduled for a night off. Horwitz was a late scratch from the game with a neck issue.
The Bucs and Rangers play again tonight at 8:05pm. Braxton Ashcraft will start for the Pirates. He is 1-1 with a 2.38 ERA this season.
Last night’s loss dropped the Pirates to 13-10 this season and into last-place in the National League Central Division. They trail the red-hot Cincinnati Reds by 2-1/2 games. The Reds have won five games in a row. Every Central Division team except the Bucs won last night.
The post Pirates fall to Rangers appeared first on ButlerRadio.com – Butler, PA.