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Nicasio makes quick work of Reds
- Updated: April 30, 2016
PITTSBURGH — Juan Nicasio’s fastball hit 98 mph in the first inning Friday night. It clocked in 12 times at 96 mph or better. But that wasn’t why the Pirates knew Nicasio was in for a good start.
It was Nicasio’s pace, not his velocity, that encouraged the Pirates. Sure enough, Nicasio worked quickly and efficiently through seven scoreless innings in a 4-1 win over the Reds at PNC Park.
“You could tell from the first inning tonight that he was sharp,” second baseman Josh Harrison said.
Odd as it might sound, the Pirates have discouraged Nicasio from pacing himself. Pitching with a reliever’s mentality — pitch to pitch, batter to batter — helped him break out this spring and earn a spot in the Pirates’ rotation. A similar intensity brings out the best in him as a starter.
“Throw your best pitch this pitch,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “Get the ball back. Throw your best pitch this pitch.”
Nicasio threw 14 pitches in the first and didn’t throw more than 16 in any inning the rest of the night. His fastball was …
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