Virtual Pirates, Frazier clip Dodgers in 14 innings




I will be serving as general manager/manager of the Pirates in a 2020 season simulation along with 29 others using Out Of The Park Baseball. Feel free to check here for daily updates. I realize baseball is a lot less important than what is going on in the world today but perhaps it can provide a diversion for a few moments.

LOS ANGELES – The 2020 Virtual Pirates have one-upped the real 2019 Pirates in one regard.

They have a win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Adam Frazier’s two-run double snapped a tie as the Virtual Buccos scored three runs in the top of the 14th inning and beat the Virtual Dodgers 6-3 on Saturday night at Virtual Dodger Stadium.

Josh Bell slugged two more home runs, bringing his season total to 10 through 21 games. The Pirates won for the second time in three games while improving to 10-11.

Last season, the Pirates were 0-6 against the Dodgers.

Adding to Saturday’s victory was that the Virtual Corsairs managed to break the space-time continuum. The outcome of the game was decided almost an hour before the scheduled 6:10 p.m. PT first pitch.

Gregory Polanco drew a walk off Joe Kelly (0-1) to lead off the 14th with the scored tied 3-all.

Kyle Crick, staying in the game to hit after the Pirates had exhausted their bench, then dropped down a bunt. Catcher Austin Barnes fielded the ball but threw wildly to first for an error.

That put runners on the corners and Frazier followed by slicing his double into the left-field corner. He scored on Kevin Newman’s single.

The Dodgers loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the 14th. Blake Weiman relieved and induced pitcher Ross Stripling – the Dodgers also ran out of position players -- to hit into a game-ending double play for his first career save.

Bell opened the scoring with a solo home run in the first inning off starter Clayton Kershaw, the only run the left-hander allowed in seven innings. Bell also hit a two-run shot off Caleb Ferguson in the eighth inning to put the Pirates ahead 3-2.

In his last nine games, Bell has homered six times while going 14 for 36 (.389) with 11 RBIs.

In addition to Bell, Newman and Jose Osuna also had two hits each.

The Dodgers sent the game to extra innings by getting an unearned run in the ninth off closer Keone Kela. Max Muncy scored on error by Newman but Kela got out of the inning when Will Smith bounced into a double play.

It was Kela’s second blown save in seven opportunities.

Crick (1-0) pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings for the win.

The Pirates used seven pitchers, though Richard Rodriguez was unavailable because of a mild case of gout. Like all of us, he is listed as day-to-day.

Chris Archer did not factor in the decision but gave up just two runs and three hits in 6 1/3 innings. He struck out eight, walked two and threw 108 pitches.

Both runs came on Mookie Betts’ second homer of the season in the first inning.

The Pirates got a break when reigning National League MVP Cody Bellinger was ejected in the first inning for arguing a called third strike.

In a bit of roster news, infielder/outfielder Kevin Kramer was outrighted to Virtual Triple-A Indianapolis after clearing waivers. He was designated for assignment earlier in the week when Luke Maile’s contract was purchased from Indy.

It was 70 degrees at game time with the wind blowing out to right field at 15 mph. Pirates bench coach Craig Wilson again helped the Dodgers pack them in at Chavez Ravine as attendance was 48,827.

Time of game was five hours, 17 minutes and Wilson proved to be invaluable during the marathon. Not only did he provide the manager with strong strategic advice but made sure there was plenty of coffee and other caffeinated drinks in the dugout.

The three-game series and nine-game road trip ends Sunday with Derek Holland (0-1, 9.88) scheduled to start for the Virtual Pirates against Walker Buehler (2-1, 3.77). At 5-3, the Pirates are assured of a winning trip.

Should be a good ballgame.

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