Keller blasted by Indians, Virtual Pirates down 2-0 in World Series

 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.

CLEVELAND – Mitch Keller finally looked like a rookie.

Keller had major control problems Tuesday night, issuing six walks in 3 2/3 innings as the Virtual Pirates lost to the Virtual Cleveland Indians 10-6 in Game 2 of the World Series at Virtual Progressive Field.

The Indians now have a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, which shifts to Virtual PNC Park on Thursday night. Sean Manaea will pitch against Shane Bieber.

Keller was charged with seven runs. He gave just three hits while walking two and throwing 86 pitches.

Keller fell to 1-2 in the postseason after going 12-8 with a 3.17 ERA in 32 regular-season starts.

The Pirates lost despite outhitting the Virtual Tribe 13-7. That came after the manager the controversial move of benching slumping Josh Bell. The switch-hitting first baseman will be back in the lineup for Game 3.

The Virtual Corsairs also fell despite hitting four home runs. Adam Frazier had a two-run blast and Marcus Semien, Gregory Polanco and Bryan Reynolds added solo shots.

Cleveland’s Francisco Lindor had four hits, including a double. He also singled in the first run in a four-run third inning that saw the Indians pulled in front of 1-1.

The inning completely unraveled on Keller. He walked Jose Ramirez and Tommy Pham with the bases loaded to force in two runs and the fourth run scored on a wild pitch.

Ramirez then hit a two-run home run off Keller in a three-run fourth that extended the Indians’ lead to 7-2.

After the Pirates sored three runs in the top of the fifth to make it a two-run game, rookie Nate Jones belted a two-run homer off Trevor Williams in the bottom of the inning.

The Virtual Corsairs were unable to make up the 9-5 deficit.

Rookie center field Travis Swaggerty had three hits for the Pirates while Semien and Adam Duvall added two apiece.

Scott Moss was the winning pitcher in relief of starter Carlos Carrasco, who was tagged for five runs in 4 1/3 innings.

Brad Hand recorded the final out for the save. He induced Elias Diaz to ground out with runners on the corners to preserve a four-run lead.

The Pirates then piled into their luxury RVs and headed back to Pittsburgh. While ownership denied the team the opportunity to stay in a hotel, because budgetary concerns, the players did not complain because bench coach Craig Wilson treated them to lunch at a McDonald’s in suburban Cleveland near where the RVs were parked.

Everyone was impressed that Wilson ate 50 chicken nuggets.

Wilson went around the clubhouse following the game and did his best to keep the spirits high.

“We’ve come through in every big situation all season and we’ll do it again,” Wilson said. “Everyone keep your chins up. We’re going to be fine.”

Wilson then looked at the manager and said, “and you, make sure you keep all of your chins up.”