Pirates starter Braxton Ashcraft made headlines Thursday afternoon, throwing a complete game in a 13-1 victory over the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park. The 26-year-old achieved this remarkable feat using just 85 pitches, making him only the third pitcher in Major League Baseball this season to complete a nine-inning game under 100 pitches.
Why it matters: Ashcraft's performance marked a turning point for the Pirates, who had recently struggled, dropping seven of their last eight games. This victory snapped a three-game losing streak and showcased Ashcraft's potential as a key player for the team.
- Ashcraft allowed just one run on three hits and struck out 10 batters, walking only one.
- This was the first complete game of the season for the Pirates and the first of Ashcraft's career.
- The win was Pittsburgh's first complete-game performance since Mitch Keller on May 6, 2024.
- Ashcraft's outing was the longest and likely the best of his career, as he is in his first season as a full-time starter.
Driving the news: In a game dominated by the Pirates, Ashcraft's performance stood out. He threw an impressive 64 strikes out of 85 total pitches, achieving a 75% strike rate. His efficiency on the mound was evident as he managed to throw single-digit pitches in five of the nine innings.
- He was on pace for a "Maddux"—a complete-game shutout with fewer than 100 pitches—until Owen Caissie hit a solo home run in the ninth inning.
- Ashcraft’s outing was historic, being the first nine-inning complete game with 85 or fewer pitches and 10 strikeouts since at least 2000.
- His achievement is only the third nine-inning complete game on 85 or fewer pitches since 2015, joining Framber Valdez and Kyle Hendricks.
- It’s the third complete game by a Pirates starter since pitch counts began being tracked in 1988.
State of play: The Pirates' offense was equally impressive, scoring 13 runs and driving in 10 RBIs from the lower part of the batting order. Jared Triolo, Jake Mangum, and Rafael Flores combined for eight hits, providing ample support for Ashcraft.
- Triolo went 3-for-4 with a homer, three RBIs, and three runs scored, contributing significantly to the offensive explosion.
- Flores hit two three-run homers, becoming the first Pirates catcher since Don Slaught in 1993 to achieve such a feat in a game.
- Mangum also had a stellar day, going 3-for-4, including a triple, and scored three times.
- The Pirates’ defense backed Ashcraft effectively, turning three double plays and throwing out a base stealer.
The big picture: Ashcraft's performance comes after a rough patch where he allowed 21 runs in his previous five starts. This outing serves as a course correction, demonstrating his resilience and potential as a reliable starter.
- With this win, Ashcraft improved his record to 12-5 and lowered his ERA to 3.88 for the season.
- His ability to command the zone and maintain composure on the mound has drawn praise from teammates and coaches alike.
- “He commands the zone well and gets hitters out,” Triolo said. “He has kind of a presence on the mound.”
- The Pirates are now looking to build momentum from this victory as they prepare for upcoming games.
What they're saying: After the game, Ashcraft expressed his determination to finish strong, stating, “I started the game, and with the pitch count where it was, I told myself, ‘This is my game. I started it. I want to finish it.’”
- Coach Kelly praised Ashcraft's efficiency, emphasizing how he set the tone for the game and helped the team secure a much-needed victory.
- “The efficiency he had getting through a complete game was just phenomenal,” Kelly said.
- Flores, who played a key role in the offense, noted the importance of Ashcraft's performance, saying, “He earned that in the first half and certainly did today.”
- The win over the Marlins was a collective effort, with the entire team stepping up to support Ashcraft’s historic outing.
By the numbers: Ashcraft's complete game statistics were remarkable.
- He struck out 10 batters, marking a high in his career.
- He threw 85 pitches, with 64 being strikes, and had a 30% whiff rate on 33 swings.
- The Pirates scored 13 runs on 13 hits, a balanced attack that highlighted their offensive depth.
- This victory improved the Pirates' record to 59-64, providing a much-needed boost in confidence.
What's next: Following this performance, Ashcraft is slated to face the Detroit Tigers in his next start, looking to maintain this level of excellence on the mound.
- The Pirates will aim to build on this momentum as they continue their season, hoping to turn around their recent struggles.
- Fans are eager to see if Ashcraft can replicate this success, solidifying his role as a key player in the Pirates' rotation.
- With the playoffs in sight, every game counts, and the Pirates hope to capitalize on this victory moving forward.
- Ashcraft's impressive outing has set a standard for the team and will be a focal point as they prepare for their next matchups.