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In for ill Marte, Joyce makes most of chance
- Updated: July 22, 2016
PITTSBURGH — Just fifteen minutes before Thursday’s 5-3 win over the Brewers, Pirates outfielder Matt Joyce found out he’d be starting.
He made the most of taking Starling Marte’s spot in the lineup, sending a three-run shot off Matt Garza to right field in the first inning, giving the Pirates a 3-0 lead. Pittsburgh also moved rookie Adam Frazier to the leadoff spot, and both lineup changes resulted in an offensive boost.
“I kind of felt myself rushing a little bit, going to hit, coming on deck,” said Joyce, who hit an RBI groundout in the fourth. “Just tried to take some deep breaths and really slow myself down and slow the game down a little bit. Garza’s tough, obviously, everybody knows Garza’s tough. But fortunately he made a mistake there, and I was able to capitalize.”
Marte was scratched shortly before first pitch due to flu-like symptoms. Gregory Polanco moved from right to left field, and Joyce played right and batted fourth. Marte entered the game in the eighth, playing left.
The Pirates also bumped struggling first baseman John Jaso to the six-hole, giving Frazier the leadoff spot for the first time since he was recalled from Triple-A on June 24. Jaso usually …
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