April 21, 2017 – Pirates 6, Yankees 3

April 22, 2017 – Yankees 11, Pirates 5

April 23, 2017 – Pirates 2, Yankees 1

8-10 Record in 2017

The Really Good

Ivan Nova. Back to back series that I’ve had him in this category. Simply because he deserves it. 7 innings, 4 hits, 7 strikeouts, 1 earned, 1 walk in his Sunday start. The guy has been a different pitcher since coming to Pittsburgh last year. He’s been pounding the strike zone and just looks comfortable in a Pirate uniform. He walked his first guy of the year in his start Sunday which broke an incredible streak. If he continues with great command then he is going to give the Bucs a great chance to win every 5th game.

The Not So Bad

Tyler Glasnow. We’re watching Glasnow mature on the field with each start and there are plenty of reasons to be excited about his future and development. He looked a lot more comfortable again by simplifying his delivery without incorporating that rocking motion in his windup we saw all spring. The stat line isn’t dazzling with 4.2 innings, 3 runs (1 earned), 5 strikeouts, and 2 walks. He was working quickly in a rhythm and you could tell he wanted to be on the mound pitching.

The Very Ugly

Adam Frazier. For defensive purposes. Love Frazier with the bat. But my goodness does he struggle in the field at every position they play him. Frazier falls in this category from the series because he misplayed a routine ground ball with 2 outs in the 8th inning of Saturday’s game where the game was tied 5-5. If Frazier fields that ball cleanly, Rivero gets out of the 8th inning on 4 pitches and the Bucs go to hit in the bottom half still tied at 5. Instead, Frazier’s error extends the inning, and the Yankees scored 6 runs with 2 outs in the 8th to go up 11-5. If there was a way the Bucs could combine J-Hay’s defense with Frazier’s plate approach they would have their ideal 2nd baseman/utility guy.

Cubs come to Pittsburgh tomorrow for three games.