Virtual Pirates one-hit by 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 -- Food could not turn things around for the Virtual Pirates this time.

Caleb Smith pitched 8 1/3 innings and the Virtual Buccos were held to only one hit as they were blanked 6-0 by the Virtual Chicago Cubs on Monday night in the opener of the four-game series at Virtual Wrigley Field.

The Pirates’ lone hit came on a single by pinch hitter Cole Tucker in the sixth inning.

The Pirates (85-65) lost their third straight game and for the sixth time in eight games.

The first-place Virtual Corsairs still hold a 7 ½-game lead over the Virtual Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central with 12 games left. The magic number for clinching the division title remains six.

Smith (11-12) struck out six and walked five, including Adam Frazier three times. Cory Abbott got the final two outs to complete the shutout.

Joe Musgrove (13-7) gave up six runs – five earned -- and eight hits in 4 2/3 innings. He had three strikeouts, two walks and threw 76 pitches.

Kyle Schwarber had three hits for the Cubs, including a home run.

Game temperature was 69 degrees with the wind blowing in from right field at 11 mph. Time of game was two hours and 51 minutes and the crowd was 34,955.

With the ballclub struggling, bench coach Craig Wilson thought a late-night pizza tour of Chicago might get things moving. Alas, stops at Giordano’s and Lou Malnati’s after the charter flight arrived from Pittsburgh on Sunday night did not help.

“It’s puzzling,” Wilson said. “Our team has responded so well all season to eating all year. This surprises me. I think we need an inspirational speech for our manager to get us going at this point. We need to break the tension.”

After the manager’s oratory skills are put to the test, the Pirates and Cubs play again Tuesday night with Mitch Keller (9-8, 3.30) facing Tyler Chatwood (2-2, 5.15).

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