FIRED UP PIRATES BOMB NATIONALS AS FALTER SPARKLES ON THE MOUND

It may have taken a knockdown of Andrew McCutchen to ignite a fire under the Pirates, but it was Bailey Falter’s impeccable outing on the mound that made the biggest impact in the Bucs’ win over the Nationals last night. Joe Block reports.

Manager Derek Shelton says Bailey Falter was unhittable.

Shelton says the Pirates fed off the emotion after Brian Reynolds was hit by a pitch and McCutchen was almost beaned in the head.

McCutchen said he didn’t think he was targeted, but he hopes the incident wakes the Pirates up for more than just last night’s game.

The Pirates activated Jared Triolo from the injured list and he played second base last night.  Tsung Che Cheng was sent to Indianapolis.  General manager Ben Cherington also traded for some catching depth, acquiring Brett Sullivan from the Padres for outfielder Bryce Johnson and cash considerations.  Sullivan has been at Triple-A so far this season, batting .231 at El Paso.  He can also play the corners in both the outfield and infield.

Reliever David Bednar last night pitched his fifth straight scoreless inning since going to Indianapolis.  He’s not allowed a run and given up just one hit with no walks and seven strikeouts since going down.

On the injury front, first baseman Spencer Horwitz (wrist) will go to Bradenton for his first live hitting off rehabbing pitcher Dauri Moreta, most likely this weekend.  Catcher Joey Bart is just about ready to return from his sore back and Bryan Reynolds is almost ready to get back in the field after playing DH due to an arm/shoulder injury. Reliever Colin Holderman (knee) is almost ready to begin his rehab program.

ALTOONA CURVE

Altoona bounced back from being one-hit on Tuesday night, slugging Somerset 10-1.  Jack Branigan had three hits, including a 3-run homer, and Mitch Jebb, Sammy Siani, and Nick Cimillo both had two hits.  Prized prospect Hunter Barco threw five scoreless innings with six strikeouts and is unscored upon in thirteen innings this season.

Wilber Dotel starts for the Curve tonight in Game Three of the series.