In a thrilling conclusion to a tense game, Yasmani Grandal powered the Pittsburgh Pirates to a series win over the Cincinnati Reds, delivering a dramatic walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning. After Bryan De La Cruz was hit by a pitch with one out, Grandal, down in the count 1-2, launched a four-seam fastball from Reds closer Alexis Díaz just over the right field fence.
This marked Grandal’s third home run in four games, continuing his hot streak after homering in back-to-back games, including the series opener on Thursday.
The Pirates (62-68) claimed three out of four games from the Reds (63-68) to kick off a seven-game homestand.
The Pirates took an early lead when Joey Bart grounded out in the first inning to bring home a run, but he soon exited the game due to left hamstring discomfort. Connor Joe replaced him in the lineup. In the third inning, Bryan Reynolds extended the lead to 2-0 with an RBI single to center field, driving in Michael A. Taylor, who had broken out of an 0-for-17 slump with a leadoff single.
Pirates starter Luis Ortiz delivered an impressive performance, overcoming early control issues to pitch six shutout innings before handing the game over to the bullpen.
Kyle Nicolas relieved Ortiz in the seventh but ran into trouble, allowing a one-out double that put the Reds in scoring position. Jalen Beeks replaced Nicolas and immediately allowed an RBI single to Elly De La Cruz. TJ Friedl then laid down a bunt, bringing home another run after Beeks mishandled the ball, allowing Friedl to reach base and keeping the bases loaded.
With the Reds threatening to extend their lead, Beeks found himself in a tough spot, walking Spencer Steer on an 0-2 count to force in another run. Dennis Santana, the third Pirates pitcher of the inning, came in and retired both batters he faced, preventing further damage.
Key Moment
Santana’s crucial performance in the seventh inning kept the Pirates within striking distance, preventing the Reds from expanding their lead when the game was at risk of slipping away.
Star of the Game
Luis Ortiz shined with one of his best starts of the season, delivering a much-needed strong outing after struggling with a 6.26 ERA in his previous five starts.
Stat to Know
Grandal’s walk-off homer marked the seventh walk-off hit of his career and his first since 2021. It was the fourth time he hit a walk-off home run.
Noteworthy
- Isiah Kiner-Falefa had a standout game with three hits, including a double, and a run scored.
- Oneil Cruz contributed two hits and a stolen base.
- Aroldis Chapman (5-4) earned the win after pitching a scoreless ninth inning.
- The Pirates placed RHP Hunter Stratton on the 60-day injured list with a ruptured left patella tendon. LHP Brady Feigl was called up from Triple-A Indianapolis to fill the roster spotX
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