▲ Pirates - Zhang Yucheng
Taiwanese player Zhang Yucheng, who plays for the Pirates, returned to the starting lineup today and batted at first base for the 8th at bat. He had no hits in 2 at-bats, but was hit by a hit ball and walked four balls. He was on the 2nd level. The Pirates lost 5-14 and missed their 4th consecutive victory.
Zhang Yucheng hit a fly ball to right field in the second inning and was out. In the fourth inning, he was struck out. In the seventh inning, he was hit by a hit ball for the first time. In the ninth inning, after fighting for 9 pitches, he selected four. A bad pitch led to a walk and a run back to score. However, he has not hit 10 hits in a row recently, and his batting average has dropped to 114%.
The Pirates team hit 5 hits and scored 5 runs, which was not bad, but the pitching staff was overwhelmed. Starting pitcher Jerad Eickhoff allowed 10 hits and 10 runs in only 4.1 innings. All were ERAs, and he became the first pitcher in Pirates history to allow 10 runs in his debut.
In addition, according to statistics from the American media "ESPN Stats & Info", this is the first time in the past 82 years of the major leagues that a pitcher has given up at least 10 ERA in two consecutive starts. Eckhoff's last start was for the Mets, and he allowed 10 runs in 3.1 innings.
Jerad Eickhoff is the first player in Pirates history to give up 10 ER in his first start for the team. pic.twitter.com/kLnmsveviM
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 23, 2022
