2017 to me just means that we are even closer to pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training in less than 2 months. So to reflect on the Pirates season in 2016, here are my top 10 favorite moments.
Two lists will be included. Top 5 for hitting moments, and Top 5 for pitching moments.
Pitching
#5. Complete Games
Jeff Locke’s 3 hit shutout in Miami and Gerrit Cole first career complete game; a 3 hit, 1 run outing against Seattle.
#4. Jeff Locke vs. Mad Bum
This game because no one saw Jeff Locke getting the win over Madison Bumgarner in this match up, or an Erik Kratz home run being the only run scored by either team.
#3. Chad Kuhl Debut vs. Kershaw
Chad Kuhl’s Major League debut against the best pitcher in baseball. The play at the plate is incredible when Kuhl saved a run and gets stoked off his ass.
#2. Jameson Taillon Shutouts
Taillon’s 2nd career start went 8 innings with a no-no going into the 7th, and another 8 inning shutout against San Diego. His future is bright.
#1. Trevor Williams First Career Win
The video says it all.
Hitting
#5. Cole’s Home Run
Who doesn’t love a pitcher jumping the yard to the deepest part of the park?
#4. Cutch Hits 3 Home Runs in Colorado
Three cannonballs in one game. I don’t care if the ball carries better in Denver.
#3. Marte’s Walk-Off Home Run in 18 Innings
This game will forever be known thanks to the the young Pirates fan who had all of his emotions captured on TV through these 18 innings.
#2. Marte’s First Career Grand Slam
Awesome timing early in the season, but the best part was Joe Block saying, “This would be a good time for Marte’s first career Grand Slam” seconds before Hoover hung that slider.
#1. Josh Bell Grand Slam
Who doesn’t love seeing a prized prospect demolish a ball in his 2nd career at-bat off the best team in baseball? Ring the Bell.
Honorable Mentions
2. John Jaso’s Cycle
If I asked you Opening Day which Pirate, if any, hit for the cycle in 2016 and you said John Jaso, I would’ve laughed and told you to answer for real.
1. Bob Walk Falling Out of His Chair
Old guys falling out of chairs while commentating a game. Wouldn’t have been as funny if it was anyone else in baseball.
Honorable Mention (non-Pirates related)
1. Cubs-Indians Game 7 World Series
I mean, come on. Best Postseason baseball game since the David Freese, Game 6 show in the 2011 World Series. Arguably one of the best Game 7’s ever played.
