Braxton Ashcraft hadn’t gotten off to the best start this season. In his first two appearances of the year, the right-hander allowed six runs in five innings of work. He worked out of the bullpen during one of those games. On Saturday, Ashcraft got the start for Altoona, putting up his best performance of the year.
Ashcraft threw 4.1 innings against Bowie, allowing one run on four hits. He didn’t issue a walk, and struck out three. Altoona lost 6-2, after giving up four runs in the ninth inning. Ashcraft left the game at 1-1.
The Pirates had Ashcraft in MLB Spring Training this year, where he displayed an MLB quality fastball and slider combo.