In 50 games since Don Kelly became manager May 8, the Pirates are at a whole new level defensively, with the second-best fielding percentage (.992) in Major League Baseball behind the Rangers (.994). In Derek Shelton's 746 games, the Pirates had the fifth-worst fielding percentage (.983) and fifth-most errors (447).
Plays during their 6-0 homestand, such as Isiah Kiner-Falefa's sliding backhanded stop today, Tommy Pham's throw to the plate yesterday to cut down José Fermín and Spencer Horwitz's overall performance amplify the fact.
"We’re just feeding off everyone’s energies," Kiner-Falefa said. "We’re getting great jumps on defense. Like yesterday, that ball that was hit to Tommy, I knew he was going to throw him out. We’re just playing with a different confidence. It’s nice to see that confidence go in our favor.”
"It's a collective team effort, a lot of contributions throughout, even from guys that aren't playing every single day," Kelly said. "That's what you need as you go through 162."
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THE ASYLUM
Greg Macafee
9:13 pm - 07.02.2025NORTH SHOREKelly's defense just 'different'
In 50 games since Don Kelly became manager May 8, the Pirates are at a whole new level defensively, with the second-best fielding percentage (.992) in Major League Baseball behind the Rangers (.994). In Derek Shelton's 746 games, the Pirates had the fifth-worst fielding percentage (.983) and fifth-most errors (447).
Plays during their 6-0 homestand, such as Isiah Kiner-Falefa's sliding backhanded stop today, Tommy Pham's throw to the plate yesterday to cut down José Fermín and Spencer Horwitz's overall performance amplify the fact.
"We’re just feeding off everyone’s energies," Kiner-Falefa said. "We’re getting great jumps on defense. Like yesterday, that ball that was hit to Tommy, I knew he was going to throw him out. We’re just playing with a different confidence. It’s nice to see that confidence go in our favor.”
"It's a collective team effort, a lot of contributions throughout, even from guys that aren't playing every single day," Kelly said. "That's what you need as you go through 162."
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