Virtual Pirates fall to Cards in 13



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 – Bench coach tried to show the hitters how it is done but the Virtual Pirates did not follow suit.

Victor Caratini scored the winning run on a passed ball by Jacob Stallings in the 13th inning as the Virtual St. Louis Cardinals downed the Virtual Buccos 3-2 on Saturday night at Virtual PNC Park.

That was a letdown after Craig Wilson hit a home run to highlight the old timers’ game played prior to the real virtual game. Wilson finished his seven-year career with 99 home runs, so he is hoping Major League Baseball will count his shot off Kirk Rueter as No. 100.

Wilson was 7 for 11 with four home runs against Rueter in his career.

“It’s good to know I’ve still got it,” said Wilson, who last played in the major leagues in 2007. “I really think I should be activated for the pennant race. I hope the general manager/manager was paying attention.”

Speaking of the pennant race, the Pirates’ lead in the National League Central was cut to two games over the Virtual Milwaukee Brewers. The Virtual Corsairs’ record dropped to 62-47.

Stallings entered the game along with Richard Rodriguez as part of a double switch in the top of the 13th with the score tied at 2-all. Caratini led off with a single, took third on Yadier Molina’s two-out double then scored on the passed ball.

Josh Bell hit a two-run double in the third inning to open the scoring. However, those were the only runs the Pirates managed off Jack Flaherty and six relief pitchers.

Erik Gonzalez had two hits while subbing at second base for the slumping Adam Frazier. Marcus Semien and Gregory Polanco both went 0 for 6.

Joe Musgrove had a strong outing but gave up a leadoff home run to Brad Miller in the eighth inning that tied the score 2-2. Musgrove was then pulled, ending up with two runs allowed in seven-plus innings on seven hits and one walk with nine strikeouts and 109 pitches.

Kodi Whitley (3-3) got the win and Trevor Cahill walked one in a scoreless ninth inning for his first save.

The decisive game of the three-game series is Sunday with Chris Archer (7-4, 3.47) matching up with Carlos Martinez (6-12, 4.32).


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