Pirates Manager Don Kelly Leaves Himself Open to Second-Guessing
Pittsburgh Pirates' manager Don Kelly faces scrutiny after a pivotal lineup choice backfires, costing a potential win and igniting debate.
PITTSBURGH -- There was little reason to challenge Pittsburgh Pirates managers during the first six years of this decade. The Pirates’ lack of talent handicapped Derek Shelton and continued to do so last season, when he was fired, and bench coach Don Kelly was promoted to skipper. As former Pittsburgh manager Lloyd McClendon told me many years ago, “You can’t win the Kentucky Derby with a mule.
” However, things are different this season. The Pirates are off to a 10-7 start and tied for the National League Central lead with the Cincinnati Reds, even after losing to the Washington Nationals 5-4 on Tuesday night at PNC Park. With more at stake now, Kelly is open to second-guessing.
Kelly’s decision on Tuesday was easily questioned. Trailing 5-4 in the seventh with bases loaded and one out, hot-hitting second baseman Brandon Lowe was due up. Kelly decided to go with the platoon advantage against Nationals left-hander Cionel Perez and had rookie right-handed-hitting Nick Yorke pinch hit for the lefty-swinging Lowe.
Yorke grounded into an inning-ending double play, with second baseman Nasim Nunez fielding the ball behind the bag, stepping on second, and throwing to first. Pittsburgh lost by a run. Several factors made the move questionable, like Lowe’s solo home run off left-handed opener PJ Poulin in the first inning.