Virtual Pirates blank Reds, learn LDS opponent


 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 – It is official: The Virtual Pirates and Virtual Washington Nationals will meet in a National League Division Series.

The Nationals wrapped up the NL East title Friday night while the NL Central champion Virtual Buccos were blanking the Virtual Cincinnati Reds 7-0 at Virtual PNC Park.

The Pirates and Nationals both have 94-66 record with two games remaining in the regular season. The team with the better record will host the best-of-five series with the Virtual Corsairs holding the tiebreaker by virtue of winning the season series 4-3.

Joe Musgrove (15-7) scattered eight hits over 6 2/3 innings before Brandon Kintzler and Clay Holmes finished the 10-hitter. Musgrove struck out seven, walked three and threw 115 pitches.

Adam Frazier hit a three-run double during a five-run seven inning when the Pirates stretched their lead to 7-0. Colin Moran added two hits and two RBIs.

It was 63 degrees with the wind blowing out to center field at 12 mph at first pitch. Attendance was 38,333 and time of game was three hours and 22 minutes.

The Pirates also had a unique bobblehead giveaway, yet another brainchild of bench coach Craig Wilson. The dual bobblehead depicted President Donald Trump and Joe Biden having a swordfight on a pirate ship.

“I thought it was fitting for an election year and us playing Washington in the playoffs,” Wilson said with a smile.

The third game of the four-game series is set for Saturday night with Mitch Keller (11-8, 3.24) pitching against Anthony DeSclafani (14-7, 4.79).


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