Osuna, Virtual Pirates walk off Marlins

 

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 reached a significant benchmark Saturday night.

Jose Osuna’s single in the bottom of the ninth inning gave the Virtual Buccos a 3-2 victory over the Virtual Miami Marlins at Virtual PNC Park.

The Pirates (75-55) moved a season-high 20 games over .500 and put themselves in position to sweep the four-game series Sunday. The Pirates also increased their lead to 3 ½ games over the Virtual Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central.

With the score tied at 2-2, rookie center fielder Travis Swaggerty started the ninth by singling off Ryne Stanek (5-4). One out later, Marcus Semien walked then the runners moved to second and third on Bryan Reynolds’ groundout.

Following an intentional walk to Josh Bell, Osuna grounded a single into right field to give their virtual Corsairs their sixth win in the last eight games.

Craig Stammen (3-4) pitched 1 1/3 perfect innings for the win.

Joe Musgrove had a strong start but wound up not factoring in the decision. He gave up two runs and three hits in seven innings with nine strikeouts and two walks while throwing 89 pitches.

Osuna had three hits and two RBIs and Swaggerty also had a three-hit game.

The players brought a broom into the clubhouse after the game and tried to talk bench coach Craig Wilson into waving it in anticipation of a series sweep. However, Wilson said he did not want to jinx things.

Time of the game was three hours and 15 minutes and the attendance was 37,960. It was 81 degrees at game time with a 10-mph wind blowing out to left field.

On Sunday, Chris Archer (8-6, 3.44) will start against Shelby Miller (0-3, 5.34).


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