Frazier, Archer lead Virtual Pirates over Cubs


 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.

CHICAGO – The Virtual Pirates are getting closer to clinching a virtual division title.

Adam Frazier had two triples among his four hits and scored three runs Wednesday night as the Virtual Buccos beat the Virtual Chicago Cubs 9-1 at Virtual Wrigley Field.

The Pirates (87-65) reduced their magic number to three with their win and a loss by the second-place Virtual Milwaukee Brewers. The Pirates have an 8 ½-game lead with 10 games remaining, including a three-game series at Milwaukee this weekend.

Frazier spearheaded a 15-hit attack to lead the Pirates to their second win in as many days after dropping the opener of the four-game series Monday.

Jacob Stallings added three hits for the Virtual Corsairs.

Marcus Semien and Bryan Reynolds hit back-to-back home runs in the sixth inning off Corey Kluber (17-8) to snap a 1-1 tie. The Pirates then scored five more times in the seventh to increase their lead to 9-1.

Semien and Colin Moran each had two hits and two RBIs. Reynolds also had two hits.

Chris Archer (10-8) pitched eight innings for the win. He gave up one run on six hits with nine strikeouts and one walk while throwing 114 pitches.

Because it has been the summer of fun, Pirates bench coach Craig Wilson took the team on another field trip Wednesday morning. The Virtual Corsairs visited the famous Bundy house from Married with Children in Deerfield, Ill.

“I though the boys would enjoy a little history,” Wilson said. “Personally, I was hoping Kelly would be there.”

The series concludes Thursday afternoon with Trevor Williams (15-4, 4.00) facing Yu Darvish (12-13, 4.28). The Pirates will then bus to Milwaukee after the game with hopes of wrapping up the division title over the weekend.

 


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