Sept. 11—The Pittsburgh Pirates could take advantage of starting pitcher Bailey Falter’s long innings as they swept the Miami Marlins in a three-game series on Wednesday afternoon.
The Pirates (69-76) used seven relievers in Tuesday’s 6-4 win, including catcher Dennis Santana and closer Aroldis Chapman for the second consecutive game and three of the previous four.
Carmen Mlodzinski and Joey Wentz also pitched multiple innings for Pittsburgh on Tuesday.
“Our bullpen, we’re going to have a little bit of trouble on Wednesday,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton said. “We’ll have to sit down and talk and see what our availability is, but we’re going to have our day off (Thursday).”
Falter (7-7, 4.45) is 3-0 with a 5.52 ERA in his last seven starts, but he has lasted more than five innings in a game only twice in that span, just three times in the last 13 games.
“Pele needs to go out and get us off to a good start, and I think that’s what we’re looking for,” Shelton said.
Falter has been helped by good run support as the Buccaneers have averaged nearly six points per game over their last seven games.
“That’s very important,” Falter said. “Whenever we score, our job is to go out and get zero points.”
Falter recently earned the win after giving up three runs and seven hits in five innings in Thursday’s 9-4 win over the Washington Nationals. He came back after giving up three runs in the first inning.
“In the first innings, he didn’t look like he was in rhythm, he just looked uncomfortable,” Shelton said. “Then he was able to come back. I mean, he played 71 balls in three innings and 94 balls, which shows how efficient he was in the last two innings.”
Falter faced the Miami Heat in the season opener, allowing six runs and five hits in four innings. He lost the first game by five runs, but scored three consecutive points in the seventh game to take a 7–6 lead and eventually won the 10th game 9–7 to avoid defeat.
Falter went 2–0 with a 5.73 ERA in seven games (four starts) against the Marlins.
The Marlins (54-91) plan to start Jonathan Bermudez in the series finale.
Bermudez (0-0, 5.79) has made only two relief appearances in his major league career.
On August 27, he allowed two runs and six hits in 3 2/3 innings in a 9-8 win over the Colorado Rockies; in Sunday’s 10-1 win he allowed one run, 1 run and 2 hits in an inning.
Michael Peterson will likely depart for Miami on Wednesday.
The right-hander was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday after going 3-0 with a 6.43 ERA in 11 games.
Peterson, who represented UK in the World Baseball Classic, appeared in 35 games with Triple-A Oklahoma City this season, compiling 10 saves, a 1.64 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 8 at-bats over 33 innings.
To make room for Peterson, the Marlins designated RHP Brett De Geus for assignment.
Miami catcher Johnny Pereda had three hits while batting ninth in Tuesday’s loss. Kyle Stowers also posted a double-double after going 1 for 26 in September.
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