Six-run lead turns into nine-run loss for Virtual Pirates



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.

DENVER – Call it a Virtual Coors Field Special.

The Virtual Pirates scored six runs in the top of the first inning Friday night but still wound up losing by nine runs.

Carter Kieboom had four hits, including a double and home run, and six RBIs to lead the Virtual Colorado Rockies to a 16-7 victory in the opener of a three-game series.

The Rockies scored 10 runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to wipe out a 7-6 deficit and send the Virtual Buccos (37-32) to their second loss in three games.

Chris Stratton (1-3) was charged with six runs in 1/3 inning while taking the loss. Derek Holland followed and was tagged for four runs in 1/3 innings.

Trevor Story’s RBI single off Stratton snapped a 7-7 tie and Raimel Tapia’s grand slam off Holland capped the outburst. Kieboom also hit a run-scoring triple as the Rockies sent 13 batters to the plate against three pitchers.

Tapia’s RBI single in the sixth against Richard Rodriguez drew the Rockies within 7-6.

Jarrod Dyson went 3 for 3 before leaving the game with a thigh injury. Bryan Reynolds also had three of the Pirates’ 11 hits while Josh Bell walked three times.

Dyson is expected to be placed on the injured list Saturday. Meanwhile, Nick Burdi is scheduled to come off the IL.

Trevor Williams started and gave up four runs and 11 hits in five innings with three strikeouts and one walk.

Ryan McMahon also homered for the Rockies. Jake McGee (2-0) pitched two perfect innings to get the win.

It was 68 degrees at game time with the wind blowing in from center field at nine mph. Time of game was three hours, 44 minutes and attendance was 24,741.

The Virtual Corsairs did not lose because of an empty stomach. Beloved bench coach Craig Wilson again sprang for a team dinner Thursday night, this time Italian at Maggiano’s, after the charter flight arrived from San Francisco.

The series continues Saturday night with Chris Archer (6-1, 2.94) pitching against German Marquez (1-4, 4.74).

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