Virtual Pirates' Keller has 13 Ks in win over Padres



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 regular 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 now that the real baseball season is underway, I’m going to have to slow the virtual updates down a little, probably once a series.

PITTSBURGH – The Virtual Pirates head into their biggest series of the season to date on a winning note.

Mitch Keller had 13 strikeouts in six innings and Adam Frazier hit a go-ahead two-run double as the Virtual Buccos downed the Virtual San Diego Padres 6-4 on Thursday at Virtual PNC Park.

The Pirates (59-43) took two of three in the series with the Padres and moved 1 ½ games in front of the Virtual Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central. The division’s top two teams square off in a three-game series at Milwaukee beginning Friday night.

Keller (7-3) allowed three runs, six hits and two walks while throwing 103 pitches. He surrendered home runs to Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr.

Keller got the win when the Pirates scored three runs in the sixth inning off Zach Davies (8-9) to snap a 3-3 tie. Frazier delivered the big blow with his tiebreaking double.

Gregory Polanco hit a three-run home run in the first inning and Josh Bell and Travis Swaggerty each had two hits.

Keone Kela gave up a run in the ninth inning but held on for his 10th save in 13 opportunities. Brandon Kintzler pitched a perfect eighth inning in his first game since being acquired Wednesday night from the Virtual Miami Marlins in a trade.

Virtual baseball sources say the Pirates may soon add another relief pitcher via trade.

The Pirates did not play like dogs on Dog Day Afternoon, a promotion hatched by Pirates bench coach and noted canine lover Craig Wilson. Hot dogs were priced at just $1 for fans who brought their pooches to the park.

Wilson brought his three dogs into the dugout prior to the start of the game and the players had a grand time visiting with Doctor Smoulder Bravestone, Ruby Roundhouse and Caleigh Duquesne.

It was a very pleasant good afternoon – to quote Lanny Frattare – with the temperature 75 degrees at game time and the wind blowing at 10 mph out to center field. Attendance was 35,449 and the game took three hours and 14 minutes to play.

Trevor Williams (9-4, 5.05) will get the ball Friday night at Virtual Miller Park and face Kevin Gausman (6-7, 5.01).

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