It has been a long time coming, but finally the Pittsburgh Pirates are back on the winning track. It did not look like that would be the case after eight innings of play, but the offense came to life in the ninth to come away with a 3-1 victory over the Miami Marlins. The rally would not have mattered had it not been for a great pitching performance by Luis Ortiz.
Ortiz looked strong tonight over the course of eight innings. He would strike out five, walk two, and allowing one run on seven hits. That lone run came in the first inning when Jesus Sanchez singled to right center to score Luis Arraez. David Bednar would come on in the ninth and strike out two of the three batters he faced to earn his 15th save of the season.
Miami starter Jesus Luzardo was great tonight as well. He lasted seven innings, striking out nine and walking just one batter. He was replaced in the eighth by Tanner Scott. Scott would strike out one batter during that time. The Pittsburgh offense came to life in the ninth when A.J. Puk came in to close. Puk gave up three runs on three hits. The Marlins had to bring Dylan Floro out of the pen to collect the last out, but not before allowing two hits.
The scoring in the ninth started when Josh Palacios scored on a Connor Joe ground out to tie the game at one. The Pirates took the lead when Carlos Santana singled to center bringing in Andrew McCutchen. Santana would touch home when Tucupita Marcano singled to center for an insurance run.
It was great to reward Ortiz with a win after he pitched so well tonight. It was also big to get this win after losing the lead late on Thursday night. Henry Davis led all Pittsburgh hitters with two hits tonight, while recent call up Nick Gonzales will have to wait at least another day to record his first Major League hit. Game three of this four game series will take place on Saturday at 4:10pm. The Pirates will send Osvaldo Bido to the bump, while Miami will counter with Bryan Hoeing.
Record vs. Marlins: 1-1
Record vs. N.L. East: 5-3
Record on the Road: 17-21
Overall Record: 35-40
And…
As Always…
Let’s Go Bucs!
