Nats outlast Virtual Pirates in unexpected slugfest



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.

WASHINGTON – Joe Musgrove and Max Scherzer had combined for 20 victories going into Tuesday night’s game at Virtual Nationals Park.

So, what happened? A slugfest broke out, of course.

Asdrubal Cabrera hit a pivotal home run, scored three runs, and drove in three to lead the Virtual Washington Nationals to a 10-8 victory over the Virtual Pirates.

The teams have split the first two games of the four-game series. The loss dropped the Virtual Buccos to 42-36.

The game featured six home runs, three by each team.

Cabrera’s blast in the sixth off Richard Rodriguez capped a four-run inning and put the Nationals ahead 9-8. The home run came after Adam Eaton hit a two-run single earlier in the inning off Kyle Crick (1-2)

The Pirates had scored four runs in the top of the sixth to chase Scherzer.

Erik Gonzalez had three hits, including a home run, for the Pirates. Jacob Stallings and Jose Osuna also connected.

Adam Frazier, Josh Bell, Stallings, and Jarrod Dyson each had two hits.

Musgrove ran into trouble in the second inning, giving up four runs after pitching shutouts in each of his previous two starts. Victor Robles had the big blow with a two-run double.

Tanner Rainey (6-0) was the winner, Sean Doolittle notched his fourth save and Juan Soto had a homer among his four hits. Eaton also went deep.

“You score eight runs against Scherzer and you figure it’s your night,” Pirates bench coach Craig Wilson said. “Baseball is a funny game, though.”

The third game of the series is set for Wednesday night. Trevor Williams (6-4, 4.85) will take the mound for the Virtual Corsairs and be opposed by Joe Ross (5-6, 5.51).

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