Virtual Pirates' Reynolds walks off Cubs



I will be serving as general manager/manage 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.
Please note that standings are tacked on at the end of the story.

PITTSBURGH – The Virtual Pirates’ virtual manager made a right decision – for a change.

Bryan Reynolds, moved into the leadoff spot prior to the game, hit a leadoff home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Pirates a 7-6 victory over Virtual Chicago Cubs on Monday night at Virtual PNC Park.

That capped a fine game for Reynolds as he went 2 for 4 with a walk. Reynolds was shifted from the No. 2 spot in the batting order to replace the slumping Adam Frazier, who got his first game off this season.

Reynolds helped the Virtual Buccos even their record at 5-5 with his second home run of the season, connecting off Alec Mills (2-1).

The Pirates seemed on their way to a tough loss when the Cubs scored four runs in the top of the eighth inning to turn a 4-2 deficit into a 6-4 lead. The runs were charged to starter Derek Holland, who failed to retire any of the four batters he faced in the inning at the end of a 110-pitch outing.

Nico Hoerner provided the big blow as his two-run double off Nick Burdi put the Cubs ahead.

However, the Pirates tied it on Jarrod Dyson’s two-run single in the bottom of the eighth.

Keone Kela (1-0) pitched a scoreless top of the ninth to set the stage for Reynolds.

Kevin Newman’s two-run triple during a three-run fifth inning off Cubs starter Adbert Alzolay broke a 1-1 tie.

Dyson had three hits for the Pirates and Newman drove in three runs. Diaz and Erik Gonzalez also had two of the Virtual Corsairs’ 11 hits.

Gonzalez played second base in place of Frazier, who is in a 3-for-22 slump.

Holland surrendered six runs – five earned – and eight hits. He also struck out six and walked three.

Kris Bryant hit a solo homer off Holland in the fourth to open the scoring.

Alzolay allowed four runs in six innings.

The game time temperature was 48 degrees with the winding blowing out to center field at 9 mph. A steady rain fell throughout much of the evening.

Thankfully, bench coach Craig Wilson provided plenty of coffee and hot chocolate to keep everyone in the dugout warm.

The time of game was three hours, 28 minutes. Wilson again proved to be a drawing card as attendance was a better-than-expected 26,573 to see the legendary Pirates' slugger.

The second game of the four-game series is set for Tuesday night with Chris Archer (2-0, 2.19) scheduled for start for the Pirates against Yu Darvish (1-1, 4.50).

Should be a good ballgame.

NL CENTRAL: Reds (7-3), Cubs (6-4), Brewers (5-5), Pirates (5-5), Cardinals (4-6)

NL EAST: Braves (8-3), Mets (5-2), Phillies (6-4), Nationals (4-5), Marlins (2-9)

NL WEST: Dodgers (8-2), Diamondbacks (6-5), Padres (6-5), Rockies (3-7), Giants (1-9)

AL EAST: Yankees (8-2), Red Sox (8-3), Blue Jays (5-6), Orioles (3-7), Rays (2-8)

AL CENTRAL: Indians (8-3), Royals (4-5), White Sox (4-6), Tigers (4-6), Twins (2-9).


AL WEST: Athletics (7-4), Astros (6-4), Rangers (6-4), Mariners (5-6), Angels (5-6).

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