Newman's pinch hit give Virtual Pirates win over Phils

 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.

PHILADELPHIA – Kevin Newman has adjusted quite nicely to being as a bench player with Virtual Pirates. He will now be moving back to the starting lineup after a clutch hit.

Newman’s two-run single as a pinch hitter in the top of the 10th inning helped the Virtual Buccos to a 5-4 victory over the Virtual Philadelphia Phillies on Monday night at Virtual Citizens Bank Park.

The Pirates (76-56) increased their National League Central lead to four games over the Virtual Milwaukee Brewers by taking the opener of a three-game series. The Virtual Corsairs have won four of their last five games.

Following the acquisition of shortstop Marcus Semien from the Virtual Oakland Athletics last month in a trade, Newman shifted into a utility role.

However, Newman is likely to become the regular third baseman after Colin Moran was injured in the seventh inning. Moran sustained a bruised foot when Andrew McCutchen slid into him in a play at third and is headed to the injured list.

The Phillies forced extra innings by scoring twice in the bottom of the ninth off closer Keone Kela to tie the score at 3-3. The first run scored on Evan White’s groundout and Jay Bruce followed with a game-tying double.

However, Newman struck in the top of the 10th. With two outs and the bases loaded, he grounded a single through the hole at shortstop off Sam Pierron (3-5) to score a pair of runs.

Didi Gregorius hit one-out solo home run in the bottom of the 10th off Michael “Big Mike” Feliz to draw the Phillies within a run. Harper then drew a two-out walk but Feliz got McCutchen to foul out for his third save in four opportunities.

Kela (3-2) was the winner, though he took his fourth blown save in 21 opportunities.

Mitch Keller had a fine start as he gave up only one run in 6 2/3 innings while throwing 101 pitches. He had four strikeouts and allowed five hits and two walks.

Gregory Polanco had a solo home run among his two hits and two RBIs. Bryan Reynolds and Travis Swaggerty also had two hits apiece.

Bench coach Craig Wilson made sure food again fueled the latest win. Wilson chartered buses to Passyunk Square for lunchtime cheesesteaks. Everyone had the option of buying one at either Pat’s or Geno’s.

“I think some of the guys got them from both and I’m OK with that,” Wilson said a laugh.

The series continues Tuesday night with Trevor Williams (11-4, 4.47) taking the hill against left-hander Ranger Suarez (0-0, 3.18).


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