Walking the Plank: Weekly Review: June 4-9: Braves and Brewers

Atlanta Braves Series Record: 2-1
Milwaukee Brewers Series Record: 0-3 (*Rolls eyes*)
Pirates Record and Standings: 30-34, 4th Place NL Central, 1 Game ahead of the Reds

A week that started out pretty good for the Pirates as they took 2 out of 3 against the Braves ended on a terrible note getting swept by the Brewers and being overmatched the entire series. The pitching staff continues to be a joke and no young pitchers have stepped up, except for Steven Brault. We saw the return of Corey Dickerson and Jung Ho Kang, along with Cole Tucker getting sent back to AAA, but what we really need is Taillon and Williams to return along with new middle relievers. This was a rough review to put together Pirate fans, but at least we are all in this together... Here are my 3 big takeaways from this week's games:

1. Archer and Musgrove Get the Job Done

In my last two weekly reviews, Archer and Musgrove both "Walked the Plank" due to their poor pitching performances in the month of May. The month turned to June and hopefully that signified the beginning of some great starting performances from these two. The Pirates were in dire need of a starter to go deep into a game, and Musgrove did just that pitting 8 innings while giving up 3 ER. Archer followed Musgrove by having 6 IP, 6 strikeouts, and only 1 ER, in what was one of his better starts of the season. Hopefully June is a good month for these two because the Pirates need it!

2. Offense Continues to Perform Well

The Pirates offense continues its hot streak scoring 3 runs or more in all, but one game this week. Marte, Moran, and Cole Tucker (now in AAA) have all been hot at the plate recently, boosting a lineup that definitely needed it. Kevin Newman has also been a strong presence at the plate hitting another home run on Friday night. Oh yea, and there is that Josh Bell guy of course, with his triple double game against the Braves on Thursday; however, Bell failed to record a hit in the series against the Brewers, as it seems like the Brewers have him figured out. 

3. Friday Night Embarassment

That photo says it all. When you pitch those four guys against a talented Brewers team, you are waving the white flag before the game even starts. There have been too many games this year the Pirates have lost before they even started. You know who would have been nice to have to pitch this game? Mitch Keller. Keller struck out THIRTEEN batters in 5 innings in his start at Triple A. He could not have done any worse than these four pitchers!

Position Player of the Week (Last week: Kevin Newman): Captain Red Beard, Colin Moran! Moran hit 3 home runs this week to keep up his hot streak at the plate. Hurdle said he has played well enough to play almost everyday at 3B, which is a great thing for this team. Keep it up, Colin, and keep... smiling? Honorable Mention: Starling Marte

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Pitcher of the Week (Last Week: Steven Brault): Joe Musgrove. This was a toss up between Musgrove, Brault, and Archer, but Musgrove gave the team 8 innings when it was desperately needed. Also, he showed amazing resilience coming back after some tough starts and "Walking the Plank" last week. 

Moment of the Week (Last Week: Starling Marte HR off Josh Hader): In a week without many big moments, Josh Bell's three doubles in the game against the Braves on Thursday is the moment of the week. Bell leads all of the MLB with 25 (!!) doubles, with the next closest being Xander Bogaerts with 19. Honorable mention: Chris Archer's start (us Pirate fans needed to see him do well). 

Who Walks the Plank (Last Week: Joe Musgrove): The Front Office. By not going out and acquiring a pitcher to help the starting rotation and bullpen with Taillon, Williams, Burdi, and Kela out, the front office has accepted mediocrity instead of helping this team get over the hump... just like they do every year. Shame on them!

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Upcoming Games: Away: 4 Game Series vs. Braves, 3 Game Series vs. Marlins

Record Prediction (Last Week: 2-4- wow I predicted good!): 3-4. The Pirates will take 1 of 4 against the Braves and 2 of 3 against the Marlins to continue their trend to be below .500. 

Thanks for reading and let me know what you think in the comments below. Try to stay positive Pirate fans and Lets Go Bucs!!

-Aaron, TGYK