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.