Brewers-Pirates Doubleheader
Rainout Forces Pirates, Brewers to Saturday Doubleheader; Pitching Matchups Announced
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Key Points
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Bubba Chandler was slated to start the Pirates in the second game, with Shane Drohan lined up for Milwaukee's second game as part of the postponement makeup.
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The contest was postponed after a 1 hour, 27 minute delay and will be made up as a split doubleheader with first pitch at 12:05 p.m. and the second at 4:05 p.m. ET on Saturday.
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Pirates bullpen moves included recalling Thomas Harrington and Antwone Kelly from Triple-A Indianapolis and optioning Cam Sanders and Hunter Stratton there; their bullpen ERA was 4.53 (23rd in the majors) with 17-of-34 saves.
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The Pirates officially confirmed the makeup via a post on their Twitter feed, stating that a split doubleheader would take place on Saturday.
Friday night's game between the Milwaukee Brewers and Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park was postponed after a 1 hour, 27 minute rain delay, according to Wausau Pilot & Review. The two teams will make it up as a split doubleheader on Saturday, with first pitch at 12:05 p.m. ET and a second game at 4:05 p.m. ET.
The Pirates confirmed the rescheduled games on their official Twitter feed. Fans who held Friday tickets will be allowed into the 12:05 p.m. Saturday game at no extra cost, per team raincheck policy.
Saturday Pitching Matchups Set for Both Games
The Pirates had Braxton Ashcraft lined up to start the first game, with Milwaukee countering with rookie Brandon Sproat, according to Wausau Pilot & Review. In the nightcap, Pittsburgh planned to start Bubba Chandler, while Shane Drohan was set to take the mound for the Brewers in the second game.
Sproat struggled when the games did go forward. AOL Sports reported the young right-hander made it through only three innings in his start. The Brewers eventually dropped that contest 3-2 to the Pirates.
Pirates Shuffle Bullpen Ahead of Doubleheader
To prepare for a long Saturday, Pittsburgh made several roster moves. The team recalled pitchers Thomas Harrington and Antwone Kelly from Triple-A Indianapolis. At the same time, Cam Sanders and Hunter Stratton were optioned back down to Indianapolis to clear roster spots.
The moves came as Pittsburgh's bullpen was struggling. The Pirates' relief unit carried a 4.53 ERA, ranking 23rd in the majors. The group had converted just 17 of 34 save chances on the season. The doubleheader format puts extra pressure on a bullpen that will need to cover multiple games in one day.
Bryan Reynolds and a Competitive Series Backdrop
The postponement pushed back what was already a closely watched series. FanDuel noted that Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds, ranked 19th in baseball rankings, was set to face Milwaukee. Reynolds had posted 14 home runs and 57 RBI heading into the weekend.
The Brewers entered Saturday at 59-34, one of the best records in baseball. The Pirates sat at 47-47, right at the .500 mark. Milwaukee's strong record made the doubleheader a tough test for a Pittsburgh team still fighting to stay in playoff contention, according to Yahoo Sports.
Ticket Policy and What Fans Need to Know
Pirates officials spelled out the raincheck process clearly. Fans with Friday tickets can use them for the 12:05 p.m. first game on Saturday. The team posted the full policy details after the postponement was announced, per Wausau Pilot & Review.
The doubleheader format means both games are separate admissions for new ticket buyers. Only original Friday ticket holders get free access to the makeup game. Fans heading to both Saturday games would need to buy a separate ticket for the 4:05 p.m. nightcap.
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