It is going to rain in Pittsburgh. That's Pittsburgh in the summer and while the Pirates could've found a way to lose the game early after starting pitcher Bailey Falter exited in the second inning after walking Francisco Lindor with two outs and buckets of rain moved the game into a rain delay, Braxton Ashcraft ended the threat by striking out Mark Vientos on three straight sliders.
"Coming in relief whether it was with guys on, not on. In that situation after a long rain delay, he's always prepared and poised, Don Kelly said, "Did a tremendous job again today. He was efficient getting some length into the fifth inning there. Did an outstanding job."
Ashcraft on his approach coming into the game, "I mean, it's Pittsburgh. We all expect the rain delays. Coming into the clubhouse, knowing that it was going to be an extended rain delay, I kind of figured that I was going to be the one that went in just because I had the most rest. Just kind of took that time to prepare and get ready to go out and compete."
After the Pirates responded in the bottom of the second scoring three runs to take a 3-1 lead, Ashcraft faced Juan Soto in the third inning striking him out on three straight pitches:
The Pirates' bullpen went seven and 1/3 innings, allowing one earned run, six hits, and striking out eight. The team's bullpen is ranked 6th best in major leagues with a 1.22 WHIP.
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THE ASYLUM
Eric Bowser
1:58 am - 06.29.2025NORTH SHOREAshcraft 'poised' as bullpen shuts down the Mets
It is going to rain in Pittsburgh. That's Pittsburgh in the summer and while the Pirates could've found a way to lose the game early after starting pitcher Bailey Falter exited in the second inning after walking Francisco Lindor with two outs and buckets of rain moved the game into a rain delay, Braxton Ashcraft ended the threat by striking out Mark Vientos on three straight sliders.
"Coming in relief whether it was with guys on, not on. In that situation after a long rain delay, he's always prepared and poised, Don Kelly said, "Did a tremendous job again today. He was efficient getting some length into the fifth inning there. Did an outstanding job."
Ashcraft on his approach coming into the game, "I mean, it's Pittsburgh. We all expect the rain delays. Coming into the clubhouse, knowing that it was going to be an extended rain delay, I kind of figured that I was going to be the one that went in just because I had the most rest. Just kind of took that time to prepare and get ready to go out and compete."
After the Pirates responded in the bottom of the second scoring three runs to take a 3-1 lead, Ashcraft faced Juan Soto in the third inning striking him out on three straight pitches:
The Pirates' bullpen went seven and 1/3 innings, allowing one earned run, six hits, and striking out eight. The team's bullpen is ranked 6th best in major leagues with a 1.22 WHIP.
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