Williams sparkles, Virtual Pirates end skid



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.

SAN DIEGO – Trevor Williams shined in his hometown.

Williams pitched 7 2/3 scoreless innings and the Virtual Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Virtual San Diego Padres 6-2 on Wednesday at Virtual Petco Park.

The Virtual Buccos avoided being swept in three-game series and snapped their three-game losing streak. They also extended their lead in the National League Central to 1 ½ games over the Virtual Milwaukee Brewers.

Williams (11-4) allowed six hits while striking out two, walking one and throwing 107 pitches.

He also hit a two-run single off Dinelson Lamet (6-7) to cap a five-run sixth inning in which the Pirates broke a scoreless tie. Gregory Polanco hit a two-run double in the big inning and scored on Elias Diaz’s single.

Diaz and Josh Bell had two hits each while Marcus Semien hit a solo home run in the ninth off Matt Strahm in the ninth inning. It was first home run as a Pirate for Semien, who was acquired Tuesday from the Oakland Athletics in a five-player trade.

The Padres got both their runs in the ninth off Keone Kela, including a solo homer from Eric Hosmer.

Game time temperature was 73 degree with the wind blowing out to right field at 8 mph. Attendance was 31,138 and time of game was three hours and 17 minutes.

Bench coach Craig Wilson again delivered when the Pirates needed him most. The legendary slugger originally thought about giving the team a pep talk following a three-game losing streak but instead opted to order tacos from El Indio for the pre-game clubhouse meal.

The Pirates are off Thursday then open a three-game series against the Virtual St. Louis Cardinals on Friday night at PNC Park. Sean Manaea (10-7, 3.88), also acquired from the Athletics, will make his Virtual Corsairs debut when he faces Brad Keller (2-10, 5.54).


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