For a season preview of the Pittsburgh Pirates two Dominican Summer League teams, check out our article here. Throughout the year, we will provide the recaps of both teams, as well as highlight one player each day. 
PIRATES1
Result: Pirates 4, Marlins 2
Starting Pitcher: Jose Regalado, RHP (3-1, 2.52) – 5.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K, 0 HR
Top Hitter: Pablo Reyes, SS (.290) – 2-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI
Other Notable Performers:
Julio de la Cruz, 3B (.173) – 0-for-3, RBI
Marcus Beltrez, LHP (0.68) – 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 0 HR
Tito Polo, LF (.324) – 1-for-4
Dennis Hurtarte, 1B (.111) – 1-for-3, BB
Johan De Jesus, SS (.188) – DNP
Game Notes: Starter Jose Regalado had an impressive outing, giving up just one run on two hits over five innings, while picking up seven strikeouts. Gerardo Navarro allowed one run in his two innings of work and he picked up his first career win. Marcus Beltrez picked up his first save of the season. He has allowed just one earned run over 13.1 innings. Both Julio de la Cruz and Dennis Hurtarte returned to the lineup today after missing a brief time due to injuries. The Pirates outhit the Marlins 12-3, with three hits coming from Rodney Polonia and two each from Reggie Cerda, Pablo Reyes and Yunelky Adames.
PIRATES2
Result: Tigers 5, Pirates 4
Starting Pitcher: Jose Batista, LHP (2.40) – 3.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, 0 HR
Top Hitter: Carlos Munoz, 1B (.424) – 3-for-4, BB
Other Notable Performers:
Michael de la Cruz, CF (.284) – 2-for-5
Jhoan Herrera, 3B (.243) – 0-for-2, 3 BB, RBI
Julio Vivas, RHP (2.78) – 5.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 0 HR
Game Notes: The Pirates dropped back down to the .500 mark with a loss today to the Tigers. Jose Batista, a 17-year-old rookie left-hander, started the first game of his career after opening up with five relief appearances. He gave up one run on one hit over three innings, before giving way to Julio Vivas, who had started four times before today. Vivas ended up going five innings and left with the lead, but reliever Alexander Gutierrez allowed the Tigers to score three runs in the ninth for the win. Michael de la Cruz reached base twice today with hits, giving him 19 hits and 21 walks in his first 19 games of his career. He is the top prospect among Pirates players in the DSL. Despite the loss, the Pirates outhit the Tigers 11-4.
Player Of The Day
Back in March of this year, the Pirates signed two young pitchers from Mexico. One of them just turned 18-years-old this month, 6’1″ right-hander Jherson Esqueda. When the Pirates first scouted Esqueda last year, he was topping out at 88 MPH, but they liked the fact he was very projectable, with room to grow and add velocity, plus he had a great mound presence. The Pirates so far have used him just four times out of the bullpen. Interestingly, he has pitched all four times on the road, facing the Phillies and Rangers teams twice each. In 6.2 total innings, he has allowed two runs on six hits, three walks and three strikeouts. In his second appearance, Esqueda threw two no-hit innings. His older brother Carlos is also with the Pirates in the DSL and was covered here yesterday. Jherson will be a pitcher to watch in the future. He has experience pitching longer, but may not see extra time on the mound until next year due to his age.
