DROUGHT OVER: The Pirates are in the playoffs
For the first time since 2002, the Bristol Pirates are heading to the Appalachian League playoffs after a 4-2 victory over the Danville Braves in the season finale.The Pirates finish with a 34-33 record for their first winning season since 2008, as they end the year in second place in
For the first time since 2002, the Bristol Pirates are heading to the Appalachian League playoffs after a 4-2 victory over the Danville Braves in the season finale.
The Pirates finish with a 34-33 record for their first winning season since 2008, as they end the year in second place in the Appalachian League West Division.
A solo home run in the top of the second inning by third baseman
The score would remain unchanged over the next six innings until a throwing error with two outs in the top of the ninth inning would allow a run to score and cut the Pirates' lead to two. With runners at first and third,
Samson Abernathy allowed one unearned run on one hit and one walk while striking out two over one inning of work to earn his eighth save of the season. Abernathy finishes the year tied for the league lead in saves, as he is now one of 11 Bristol pitchers since 1969 to record eight or more saves in a season, and the first to do so since Kevin Moran had nine saves in 2010.
Valdez led the Pirates at the plate in the win, finishing 1-for-2 with a double, two walks and two RBI. Bissonette was 0-for-3 with two walks, a stolen base, one RBI and a run scored, while Rivero went 1-for-3 with a walk, one RBI and a run scored. Left fielder Jake Snider was the only Pirate with multiple hits against Danville, as he finished 2-for-4 with a double - the first of his career.
The Pirates will have Thursday off before opening the Appalachian League playoffs on Friday night. Bristol will host Game 1 against Johnson City, with first pitch scheduled for 6:30 p.m.