Ashcraft's Dominant Start Powers Pirates

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Braxton Ascraft is making his full-time starter role look easy for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

In his second start of the season, the 26-year-old right-hander went six innings against Baltimore,

allowing just one run while striking out a career-high eight.

That effort powered the pirates to an 8-to-2 win, their fifth straight victory.

He came out firing, retiring the first nine Orioles hitters after an early single and caught stealing.

Ascraft gave up a couple doubles in the fourth for that loan run, but shut the door with key strikeouts and pop-outs.

No walks this time, just 87 pitches total, matching his last outing.

Unlike his previous start where he took the loss despite solid pitching, the offense backed him up big.

Ryan O'Hern smashed a homer in the first, and Pittsburgh added four more in the second for plenty of cushion.

Ascraft earned his rotation spot last month after a strong spring training with a 2.03 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 13.

Innings. Last year, he mixed relief in starts, winning seven of his final nine appearances.

With his ERA now at 2.25 and WHIP at 1.00, Ascraft is locked in as Pittsburgh rides this hot streak, including there.

First home sweep of the Orioles ever, and three straight home wins to open the year since 2017.