Frazier, Williams lead Virtual Pirates over Phillies

 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.

PITTSBURGH – The Virtual Pirates put on an inspired performance.

Adam Frazier hit a three-run home run in the fourth inning and Trevor Williams pitched one-run ball over seven innings Tuesday night as the Virtual Buccos beat the Virtual Philadelphia Phillies 3-1 at Virtual Citizens Bank Park.

The Pirates (77-56) have won the first two games of the three-game series and five of their last six games. They increased their lead to five games over the Virtual Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central.

Frazier connected off Ranger Suarez (0-1) to put the Pirates ahead 3-0. The blast came after back-to-back singles by Josh Bell and Gregory Polanco.

Those were the Pirates’ only three hits of the game and Williams (12-4) made them stand up. The right-hander allowed three hits, walked three, struck out one and threw 105 pitches.

With Keone Kela getting the night off, Brandon Kintzler got the last two outs for his first save since being acquired from the Miami Marlins in a trade last month. It was Kintzler’s 18th save overall this season.

Kintzler relieved Craig Stammen in the ninth inning with runners on first and second, one out and the Pirates holding on to a two-run lead. Wander Franco walked to load the bases before Kintzler induced Deivy Grullon to ground into a game-ending double play.

Game time temperature was 68 degrees with blowing out to center field at 9 mph. Attendance was 35,701 and time of game was two hours and 58 minutes.

Colin Moran (bruised foot) was placed on the injured list prior to the game and Adam Duvall was called up from Virtual Triple-A Indianapolis.

Earlier in the day, bench coach/director of fun Craig Wilson organized yet another field trip for the Virtual Corsairs. They climbed the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art where they were met at the top by none other than Sylvester Stallone.

“I think it’s only fitting that the guys got to meet Rocky,” Wilson said. “Nobody gave us a chance when the season started. Some people said we’d lose 100 games but we’re in first place. We’re a real underdog story. You could tell them were inspired by meeting him.”

The Pirates will recall right-hander James Marvel from Indianapolis on Wednesday night to start the finale of the three-game series.

He will pitch in place of Sean Manaea, who went on the injured list last week with a strained elbow. Marvel is 6-9 with a 4.65 ERA in 26 starts at Indy.

Pitching for the Phillies will be Aaron Nola (9-8, 3.32).


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