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Redemption: Braxton Ashcraft Bounces Back to Deliver Best Start of Career
TL;DR
Braxton Ashcraft of the Pittsburgh Pirates rebounded from a poor start to achieve the best performance of his career, leading the team to a 1-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. This win completed a three-game sweep for the Pirates at PNC Park.
Key points
- Braxton Ashcraft had a career-high six runs allowed against the Cardinals
- He bounced back to lead the Pirates to a 1-0 win over the Reds
- The win completed a three-game sweep at PNC Park
- Ashcraft's previous performance included two home runs allowed
Pittsburgh PiratesSt. Louis CardinalsCincinnati RedsBraxton Ashcraft
Photo provided by Matt Lynch
Fresh off the worst start of his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Braxton Ashcraft bounced back and delivered his best.
Ashcraft was tagged for a career-high six runs and surrendered a pair of home runs — the first time he’s been taken deep twice in the same game — in 4.1 innings against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday. It was the third of what was five losses in a row for the Pirates.
But Ashcraft, like his team, showed resiliency and led the Pirates to a 1-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds to complete a three-game sweep at PNC Park on Sunday afternoon.
“Regardless of whether you have success or failure, you always put the last one behind you,” Ashcraft said following the win. “If I try and carry good outings or bad outings into the next outing, it’s not a sustainable way to go about your work. For me, it’s just focusing on the process in between and what I can do to give us a chance to win.”
There was no messing around for Ashcraft, who needed only 82 pitches to work through a career-high 7.2 innings. He held the Reds to four hits, walked two and struck out six. It was the first time in his professional career the right-hander worked into the eighth inning.
For his teammates, it came as no surprise to see much better results this time.
“You are going to have tough starts, tough stretches,” said battery mate Joey Bart. “You got to bounce back and see what you are made of. We knew he was going to pitch well.”
On a day where the Pirates really needed him to perform as he did, Ashcraft delivered.
The Pirates starter was locked in a pitchers’ duel with Reds right-hander Chase Burns, who went pitch for pitch with Ashcraft for the majority of his outing. Burns worked a career-high seven innings, blanked the Pirates on three hits, walked one and struck out seven.
Q&A
What did Braxton Ashcraft achieve in his latest game?
Braxton Ashcraft delivered his best career start, leading the Pirates to a 1-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds.
How did Braxton Ashcraft perform in his previous game against the St. Louis Cardinals?
In his last game against the Cardinals, Ashcraft gave up a career-high six runs and two home runs in 4.1 innings.
What was the significance of the Pirates' win over the Reds?
The victory over the Reds marked a three-game sweep for the Pirates at PNC Park.
What challenges did Braxton Ashcraft face before his recent success?
Before his recent success, Ashcraft faced a tough stretch, including five consecutive losses for the Pirates.
