The Pirates managed only one hit after the first inning, but they did enough in that opening inning to beat the Reds. Here’s Joe Block.
Game two of the series is tonight at PNC Park. Mitch Keller [1-0, 3.80 ERA] pitches for the Pirates against the Reds’ Graham Ashcraft [2-0, 1.42 ERA]. Airtime at 6:10 on WCCS. Keller will be looking to extend a 10-game streak in which Pirates starters have gone at least six innings, giving up three runs or less.
The Pirates yesterday announced four new members of the team’s Hall of Fame. Joining the 19 inaugural inductees from last season will be former shortstop Dick Groat, former pitcher (the late) Bob Friend, and the two greatest relief pitchers in team history, Elroy Face and Kent Tekulve. Steve Blass, a member of last year’s class, went to the homes of each of the ex-Bucs to share the news, visiting with the 95-year-old Face, 92-year-old Groat, 76-year-old Tekulve, and the widow of Friend.