PITTSBURGH — Early on, it looked as though Quinn Priester had picked up right where Mitch Keller left off Monday evening. Through the first three innings, the 23-year-old righty was well in control, allowing just one opposing batter to reach base.

But in the fourth inning, things took a turn. And as the game progressed, they only got worse, ultimately resulting in a 9-0 Angels victory Tuesday night at PNC Park.

Priester’s problems began when Mickey Moniak led off with a single. A one out walk to Willie Calhoun then set the table for a three-run home run by Kevin Pillar, which would put the Pirates behind for good.

After surrendering three runs in the fourth frame, Priester was tagged for two more before being pulled with two outs in the top of the fifth. Roansy Conteras allowed the Angels bats to remain hot in the ensuing innings, allowing runs in both the sixth and the seventh, one coming from another Pillar homer.

Pillar continued to terrorize the Pirates in the late innings, tagging Josh Fleming for a run-scoring double in the top of the eighth, finishing the game 3 for 5 with six RBIs. Logan O’Hoppe also had a big evening against the Pirates, going 4 for 5 with a pair of runs batted in.

While the Angels had no issue generating offense, the Pirates lineup was held in check by Patrick Sandoval, a 27-year-old lefty who entered Tuesday with a 1-5 record and 5.91 ERA. Sandoval cruised to his second victory on the season, allowing just three hits, walking none and striking out seven in his seven shutout innings.

On the mound

Priester’s early success came thanks to his heavy use of the slider. But as the game continued, he relied more upon his sinker, which led to runs.

Pillar’s homer off Priester came on a sinker, thigh-high on the inner half of the plate, despite catcher Yasmani Grandal setting up for a pitch high and outside. Priester threw four different pitches Tuesday. Angels hitters tagged each one with a max exit velocity of over 100 mph.

At the plate

Priester has pitched 21 total innings since being recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis on April 19. The Pirates have yet to tally a single run in any of his four starts.

Derek Shelton’s lineup tallied just one extra-base hit against Sandoval, a double from Connor Joe in the bottom of the seventh inning. The hit came thanks to Pillar losing the ball in the lights as it soared out to left field.

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