Priester revs his engine, whiffs season high for Indy

Quinn Priester proved to have a short memory on Saturday for Triple-A Indianapolis.

Entering the contest with a 5.84 ERA and .283 opponents' average against during his previous five starts, the Pirates' No. 4 prospect returned to the pitcher he was earlier in his 2023 campaign. Going six scoreless innings, Priester struck out a season-high 11 Columbus batters and walked just two in Saturday's 3-1 victory over the Clippers.

The outing was reminiscent of the Priester who took the mound from May 4-21, a stretch in which he recorded a 1.13 ERA and held opponents to a .544 OPS over four starts.

"I was just really committed to attacking the strike zone early and getting ahead of guys with everything I had," said Priester, Pipeline's No. 60 prospect. "Tonight I just kind of had it working ... I was able to really work inside to their lefties, and then finish with the curveball, which was the best pitch tonight. So I was really proud of being able to be so versatile tonight, and I think that led to a lot of success."

A return to form had to be a welcome sight for the Pirates -- Priester and batterymate Endy Rodríguez developing chemistry at the same time is an added bonus. Both prospects are ranked in The top 60 of MLB Pipeline’s Top 100.

The curveball and changeup were particularly effective for Priester. He forced a total of 17 swings on the two offspeed pitches, and 13 combined swings-and-misses. Zero balls were put in play against either offering.

"The four-seam fastball was getting in on guys, so they had to respect that," Priester said. "So that curveball holds that same line, holds that tunnel. And then with the sinker, the changeup, it holds the tunnel there. So that sinker they got to respect when I'm locating that four-seamer into lefties. It makes my life a little easier."

Rodríguez, the Pirates’ No. 2 prospect, had a go-ahead sacrifice fly in the bottom of the seventh inning for the Indians. His and Priester's performances proved to be vital in picking up the victory. The duo on the same page is a sight Bucs fans welcome as they continue their push toward PNC Park.