Polanco's homer carries Virtual Pirates over Rockies



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.

PITTSBURGH – Gregory Polanco is having a strong bounceback season for the Virtual Pirates.

Polanco’s two-run home run broke a tie and sparked a four-run seventh inning as the Virtual Buccos downed the Virtual Colorado Rockies 4-1 on Tuesday night at Virtual PNC Park.

The Pirates’ record stands 46-39 after splitting the first two games of the three-game series. They are in second place in the National League Central, trailing the Virtual Milwaukee Brewers by 2 ½ games.

Polanco struggled for the real Pirates last season after undergoing shoulder surgery the previous September. However, he has 15 home runs and a team-high 63 RBIs while batting primarily cleanup for the Virtual Corsairs.

Polanco put the Pirates ahead 3-1 when he connected off Wes Parsons (0-1). Kevin Newman added an RBI double later in the seventh.

Michael Feliz (1-2) pitched a perfect seventh inning for the win and Nick Burdi recorded eighth save in as many chances with a scoreless ninth.

Chris Archer allowed one run and five hits in seven innings while striking out seven and walking one. He threw 85 pitches and lowered his ERA to 3.19.

Adam Frazier had two hits.

Colin Moran sustained an undisclosed injury in the seventh inning while running the bases and left the game. He returned from the injured list last weekend after missing nearly two months with a broken rib that required surgery.

Bench coach Craig Wilson played a big role in the win. He burnt the midnight oil after the Pirates lost their second straight game Monday night, staying in the coaches’ office until the wee hours of Tuesday morning studying scouting reports and video.

The series concludes Wednesday with Mitch Keller (6-3, 2.72) pitching against Derek Holland (1-2, 5.86) who was released by the Virtual Pirates last week.

All-day rain is in the forecast.

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