Out of all the Pittsburgh Pirates affiliates on Wednesday night, the Altoona Curve took the cake. Matt Fraizer went 4-5, Aaron Shortridge battled through five innings, and they held the Rubber Ducks to just one run.
It was a night of winning for the Pirates’ affiliates, as they nearly had the sweep from Low-A to Triple-A. The lone loss Wednesday night came from Greensboro.
Let’s look at some of these intriguing Pirates’ prospects down on the farm.
Indianapolis (56-64)
LF Ryan Vilade
RF Canaan Smith-Njigba
The Indians shook off the bad vibes after their game one loss on Tuesday and returned with a vengeance Wednesday night.
Starter Cam Alldred went five full innings while giving up three earned runs. In addition, Vilade led the way with two RBIs on the night for the Indians as they beat Iowa 9-4.
Altoona (54-59)
LF Matt Fraizer
1B Will Matthiessen
The Curve have won two straight against Akron and opened up a 2-0 series lead.
Aaron Shortridge battled some control issues with four walks but went five strong innings while giving up Akron’s only run of the game.
Fraizer went 4-5, and Will Matthiessen drove in three runs in a 2-4 effort. As a result, the Curve beat the Rubber Ducks 8-1.
Greensboro (62-51)
1B Josiah Sightler
SS Jack Brannigan
The Grasshoppers were the only Pirates affiliate to lose Wednesday night.
Starting pitcher Derek Diamond nearly went eight full innings and gave up three earned runs (four total). After some errors, the Grasshoppers fell 6-5.
In addition, Jase Bowen did not register a hit but recorded two RBIs on the night.
Bradenton (65-50)
RHP Owen Kellington
RHP Brandon Bidois
The Marauders had to sweat one out but pulled off the 2-1 victory over Jupiter. In addition, no player from Bradenton registered an RBI, yet they scored two runs in the game.
In the top of the second, Geovanny Planchart reached base safely after a fielding error and two runs scored. That’s all Kellington, Jaden Woods, and Bidois would need as they held the Hammerheads to just one run.
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