Joey Bart has kicked off his stint with the Pirates in impressive fashion and aims to continue showcasing his power-hitting prowess as Pittsburgh gears up to face the Baltimore Orioles in the series finale on Sunday afternoon. Bart’s impactful debut on Saturday saw him launch a two-run homer in his first at-bat since joining the Pirates from the San Francisco Giants. His contribution helped secure an early 3-0 lead, ultimately leading to a 5-4 victory in 11 innings, leveling the three-game series.
Initially drafted by the Giants as the second overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft with hopes of succeeding Buster Posey, Bart’s development fell short of the organization’s expectations, resulting in his designation for assignment last Sunday. Playing in front of numerous family members, including his mother from nearby Toronto, Ohio, Bart doubled off the wall in his Pirates debut, expressing his excitement to be part of the team and his determination to maintain his performance.
The Pirates plan to start left-hander Marco Gonzales (0-0, 1.80 ERA) in the series finale. Gonzales, returning to major league action after a lengthy absence due to a forearm injury requiring surgery, displayed resilience in his last outing against the Washington Nationals. Despite leaving with a tied score, Gonzales expressed gratitude for overcoming his injury and is eager to continue his comeback.
Facing Gonzales, the Orioles will send right-hander Dean Kremer (0-0, 5.06 ERA) to the mound. In his recent start against the Kansas City Royals, Kremer displayed resilience after giving up early home runs, eventually settling down and retiring hitters effectively. Despite facing some challenges, Kremer remains confident in the Orioles’ ability to compete, highlighting their offensive strength and the pitching staff’s responsibility to minimize opponents’ runs.
Kremer’s only previous encounter with the Pirates resulted in a shutout win in 2022, showcasing his capability to deliver strong performances when needed.
