BUCS’ OFFENSE PUMMEL ANGELS IN WEST COAST OPENER

The Pirates’ bats broke out last night with their highest hit total of the season in a win over the Angels to start their six-game California road swing.  Joe Block reports.

 Manager Derek Shelton was happy to see the bats heat up.

Starter Bailey Falter left the game after four innings with tightness in his lower back.  Five relievers, including David Bednar with a perfect inning, combined to shut out the Angels the rest of the way.  Falter loved the work of the bullpen, especially Chase Shugarts.

In the second game of the trip tonight,  the Pirates’ Andrew Heaney [1-1, 2.13 ERA] faces Angels’ righty Jack Kochanowicz [1-2, 6.20 ERA].  Airtime is 9:15, first pitch at 9:38 on WCCS.

Reliever Colin Holderman started his rehab assignment at Indianapolis last night and lasted only two-thirds of an inning, giving up one run on three hits, including a homer in a 16-4 loss to St. Paul.