Nate Baker, the Pirates' fifth-round draft choice in 2009, pitched eight no-hit innings last night for the Class A West Virginia Power. Baker allowed no walks, but hit a batter. He recorded eight strikeouts.
↵The Pirates keep their minor leaguers on a pitch count, and they pulled Baker after he threw 95 pitches. It's disappointing when a guy isn't allowed to try to finish a no-hitter, but the last thing anyone would want is for Baker's elbow to pop in the ninth. The goal of developing prospects has to come first.
↵For what it's worth, Baker ranked 25th on my list of the Pirates' top prospects from last weekend.