Perez takes loss in return to Virtual Pirates


 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.

ST. LOUIS – Oliver Perez’s homecoming with the Virtual Pirates was not a happy one.

The veteran left-handed reliever took the loss Wednesday night as the Virtual St. Louis Cardinals scored a run in the ninth inning and edged the Virtual Buccos 5-4 at Virtual Busch Stadium.

The Pirates (69-52) lost two of three in the series and have dropped four of their last six games since sweeping the Virtual Milwaukee Brewers in a three-game series at Virtual PNC Park.

The division-leading Pirates’ lead in the National League Central over the Brewers is down to two games.

Perez (1-1) came on to start the ninth inning with the score tied at 4 in his first appearance since being claimed off waivers from the Virtual Cleveland Indians on Monday. Perez last pitched for the Real Pirates in 2006.

Austin Dean led off and reached first base on shortstop Marcus Semien’s fielding error. One out later, Brad Miller’s single put runners on the corners.

Brandon Kintzler relieved and gave up Paul Goldschmidt’s game-winning sacrifice fly to left field. Dean easily beat the throw from Kevin Newman, making his first start of the season in the outfield.

Chris Archer did not factor in the decision. He pitched five innings and gave up four runs (two earned) on seven hits and two walks with seven strikeouts. Archer threw 112 pitches.

Andrew Miller (3-1) pitched three perfect innings to finish the game for the Cardinals and get the win.

It was a hot night in St. Louis with the temperature 89 degrees at game time and the wind blowing left to right at 9 mph. Attendance was 42,185 and time of game was three hours and 23 minutes.

The Pirates move on to Cincinnati to open a four-game series with the Virtual Reds on Thursday night at Virtual Great American Ball Park. Per usual, bench coach Craig Wilson will spring for a team lunch from Skyline Chili.

“We’ve been lethargic offensively,” Wilson said. “We need something to produce runs.”

Wilson also has a team activity planned for Friday but will wait until after Thursday’s game to tell the players.

Mitch Keller (8-5, 3.53) toes the slab for the Pirates against Anthony “Disco” DeSclafani (8-7, 5.35).


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