Pittsburgh Review

PITTSBURGH – Luis Ortiz displayed palpable energy as he walked back to the home dugout, celebrating a key out during a sold-out game at PNC Park. His performance translated into one of the best starts of his Major League career, delivering seven scoreless innings and allowing only three hits against one of the league's top offenses. This effort contributed significantly to the Pirates' 4-1 victory over the Phillies on Saturday night, extending their win streak to six games and marking their 50th win of the season.

The game remained scoreless through five innings as Ortiz matched Phillies starter Cristopher Sánchez. The Pirates broke through in the sixth inning with an Andrew McCutchen solo home run, followed by an RBI double from Oneil Cruz later in the inning, and a two-run homer from Cruz in the eighth.

Ortiz's start was crucial for the Pirates, who have relied heavily on strong starting pitching this season. After beginning the year in the bullpen, Ortiz has excelled in his new role. In four starts this season, he has posted a 0.73 ERA, allowing just two runs over 24 2/3 innings.

"It's a reflection of hard work," said Ortiz through interpreter and coach Stephen Morales. "Not just physically, but mentally. Just going out there and trusting my stuff."

Ortiz effectively utilized all four of his pitches -- four-seamer, sinker, slider, and cutter -- throwing each at least 20 times during his 89-pitch outing. The opposing team particularly struggled with his cutter.

“He was throwing that cutter that is kind of deceptive,” Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto noted. “We hit under it and had a lot of fly balls.”

Phillies manager Rob Thomson also acknowledged Ortiz's effectiveness: “I think the cutter that he’s developed is kind of a difference-maker for him.”

The cutter is a recent addition to Ortiz's repertoire, introduced by pitching coach Oscar Marin and bullpen coach Justin Meccage in April when Ortiz was still serving as a bulk reliever. According to manager Derek Shelton, Ortiz began using it in games within about ten days.

“Every time I go out there for my throwing program or when I get out there on the bump I work on it,” said Ortiz.

The results have been promising; left-handed hitters managed only weak contact against his cutter on Saturday.

“Just knowing the [arm] slot where he throws and what he can do with a baseball,” Marin explained, “we felt it would be more efficient than really trying to focus on that changeup.”

Lefty hitters have recorded a .261 batting average against Ortiz's cutter so far this season. While it doesn't generate many swings-and-misses, it induces weak contact leading to quick outs.

Ortiz has adapted well to various roles this year -- whether starting or relieving -- focusing primarily on getting outs.

“He’s been in the bullpen; he’s been in the rotation,” Marin said. “[Now] I know what I’m here to do: I’m here to get outs.”

Teammates have noticed Ortiz's growth as well.

“The way he's been pitching lately,” said Cruz via Morales, “he's gonna throw his heart out in every start.”