The Pirates' offense faltered in a 10-1 loss to the White Sox on July 19. Jonathan Cannon dominated Pittsburgh's bats, including Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was another one of those nights at PNC Park. The kind of night where the energy drains from the stands inning by inning, replaced by a familiar sense of resignation. The Pittsburgh Pirates were thoroughly dismantled by the Chicago White Sox on Saturday, falling 10-1 in a game that felt over long before the final out was recorded. White Sox starter Jonathan Cannon played the role of executioner, silencing the Buccos' bats and sending the team to a dismal 39-59 record.
That's my goal: get more extra bases.
The story of Saturday's game can be told through one man: Jonathan Cannon. The White Sox right-hander was in complete control, carving up the Pirates lineup for seven masterful innings. He allowed just one late run on five scattered hits, earning his second straight win and leaving Pittsburgh's hitters shaking their heads. On the other side, Pirates starter Mike Burrows (1-3) couldn't find his footing, getting tagged early and often as Chicago built an insurmountable lead. The loss marked the Pirates' second straight defeat.
When your big guns are firing blanks, it's nearly impossible to win. That was the reality for the Pirates, as the heart of their order went missing in action. Bryan Reynolds, whose average has dipped to .226, was held in check, as were veterans Andrew McCutchen and the power-hitting Oneil Cruz. The team's inability to generate any sustained pressure against Cannon highlighted a season-long struggle to produce runs consistently. With no major roster moves on the horizon, the answers will have to come from the players already in the clubhouse.
While the major league club struggled, a bright spot continues to shine in the minor leagues. Catcher Omar Alfonzo is making a name for himself with his powerful bat. Fresh off a four-hit performance, Alfonzo is impressing scouts with a blistering 92.8 mph average exit velocity. His approach is simple and direct, a philosophy that could one day be a welcome addition in Pittsburgh. In a season defined by frustration, the development of prospects like Alfonzo provides a necessary dose of long-term optimism.
As the Pirates fall to 20 games below .500, nights like this are a tough pill to swallow. The team will look to salvage the series against the White Sox and find a spark to carry them through the dog days of summer. While the present looks bleak, the promise of future impact bats like Omar Alfonzo serves as a reminder that the work of a rebuild is happening at all levels. For now, the Bucs need to find a way to compete, starting with tomorrow's game.
