[TribeTown]

Game #87 – July 1 – Chicago 10, Pittsburgh 4
The Pirates opened the month with a key series in the Windy City, really needing to sweep or at least win 2 out of 3 to get back in the NL Central race. The came up short as the Cubs batted around and scored 6 in the 6th (Jefferson Quero’s Grand slam was the big hit) and scored 3 more in the 7th to blow out the Buccos, who managed just 7 hits and committed 2 errors.
WP: R. Marinaccio (5-1)
LP: K. Nishida (10-5)
Record: 45-42

Game #88 – July 2 – Chicago 7, Pittsburgh 1
The Pirates were listless for the 2nd game in a row, managing just 5 hits in another ungly loss.
WP: T. Thomas (5-7)
LP: S. Carlson (1-1)
Record: 45-43

Game #89 – July 3 – Chicago 6, Pittsburgh 1
The Cubs completed the sweep in yet another ugly game by the Pirates, who now have won only 5 of their last 16 games. It is one of the ugliest stretches of baseball seen in the Steel City in years. The Pirates have now fallen into 3rd place .
WP: T. Rogers (9-4)
LP: Q. Priester (5-6)
Record: 45-44

TRANSACTION: The Pirates signed International free agent 3B Juan Barrera. The 17 year old Venezuelan is projected to be an elite pure hitter with plus-plus power. [80 potential contact, 80 potential HR power, 55 potential eye/discipline, 80 overall potential).

TRANSACTION: Optioned Connor Shouse to AAA Indianapolis. Activated Owen Paino from rehab assignment.

Game #90 – July 4 – Pittsburgh 8, Washington 1
The Pirates finally showed signs of life, returning home to get a much- needed win. Dean West had 2 hits to lead the offense, and Jake Morrow smacked a 2-run home run in the bottom of the 5th inning.
WP: J. Baumeister (8-5)
LP: M. Denaburg (5-8)
Record: 46-44

Game #91 – July 5 – Pittsburgh 5, Washington 4 (11 innings)
The Pirates won a thriller as Tyler Freeman doubled home the tying run with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th, and Diego Cartaya gave the Pirates a walk off with an RBI double in the bottom of the 11th.
WP: C. Smith (5-5)
LP: F. Perez (2-3)
Record: 47-44

Game #92 – July 6 – Pittsburgh 8, Washington 1
The Pirates completed the sweep as Kyozo Nishida pitched 6 shutout innings, striking out 9.
WP: K. Nishida (11-5)
LP: D. May (9-6)
Record: 48-44

TRADE: The Pirates traded Drew Rasmussen, Tyler Freeman, and minor league P Duke Ekstrom to the Angels in exchange for 2B Ketel Marte, 1B Freddie Freeman, and catching prospect Cade Arrambide.

Marte is 35 but remains one of the best pure hitters in the game and remains an above average defender at 2B. Freeman is one of the best offensive players of his generation, although he is clearly on the downside of his 19 year career. He brings leadership to the clubhouse and is a fan favorite. Both players join the team with the hope of contributing to a playoff push.

Arrambide is a 24 year old catching prospect who is good defensively and shows some power at the plate.

Optioned Jake Morrow to AAA Indianapolis.

Game #93 – July 7 – Pittsburgh 4, Miami 3
With the Pirates trailing 3-2, Roman Anthony smashed his 20th home run of the season (a 2-run shot) to give the Buccos a 4-3 lead in the 6th.
WP: S. Carlson (2-1)
LP: J. Cabrera (0-2)
SV: Y. De Los Santos (16)
Record: 49-44

Game #94 – July 8 – Pittsburgh 4, Miami 3
Masayoshi Oshima hit a grand slam in the top of the 4th inning and the Pirates held on to win their 5th in a row.
WP: Q. Priester (6-6)
LP: K. Harrison (6-5)
SV: N. Robertson (2)
Record: 50-44

Game #95 – July 9 – Pittsburgh 9, Miami 4
The Pirates finished the first half strong and go into the All Star break on a 6 game roll. Diego Cartaya went 2-3 and drove in 3 runs to lead the Buccos. Freddie Freeman and Ketel Marte hit their 1st home runs in Pirates uniforms. Roman Anthony and Cartaya also homered. With their hot streak, Pittsburgh has closed to within 4 ½ games of the Cubs.
WP: C. Smith (6-5)
LP: M. Albright (5-10)
Record: 51-44