Bearcats in the Big Leagues: Slow Thursday for Harrison and Happ

Josh Harrison

Harrison put forth another 1-for-5 effort for the Pirates in a win over the Phillies on Thursday. The knock was on a grounder to shortstop and once again came in the top of the ninth, as his hit on Wednesday did as well. Pittsburgh won the game 6-3 even though Harrison had a WPA (win probability added) of -.077. Harrison will be in the same ballpark as fellow BITBL member Ian Happ this weekend, as the Pirates play a three-game series against the Cubs.

In eight games against the Cubs this season Harrison has slashed .276/.382/.552, with two of his nine home runs. He has generally struggled against Chicago during his career. With an overall slash line of .232/.289/.377, Harrison has struck out more times against 45 strikeouts against last year’s World Series champions than any other opponent (45)

Ian Happ

Those same Cubs were absolutely demolished by first place Milwaukee on Thursday. Happ was one player who didn’t do much to help, as he went 0-for-4 with a strikeout against the Brewers pitching staff. His WPA of -.042 was somehow worse than Harrison’s, but was still not good at all. The hitless outing ended a seven-game hitting streak for Happ, who has a slash line of .333/.385/.750 in 14 plate appearances against the Pirates, who he will face this weekend.

Connor Walsh

Walsh did not pitch in the Birmingham Barons’ 9-2 win over the Jackson Generals on Thursday.

Ryan Atkinson

Obviously after starting on Wednesday, Atkinson did not pitch on Thursday. His next appearance should come this Wednesday against Bowling Green