The Pittsburgh Pirates now hold a 17-16 record after snapping a five-game losing streak on Friday night. The club had a dominant pitching performance. They also had a four-homer power surge. These efforts secured a 9-1 victory over the NL Central-leading Cincinnati Reds.
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MLB Game Recap
Pittsburgh overwhelmed Cincinnati 9-1 behind a season-high pitch count from their ace and a multi-homer breakout from their catcher. Starting pitcher Mitch Keller (7.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 6 K, 1 BB, 104 pitches) dominated the Reds’ lineup, while a four-run fifth inning featuring blasts by Marcell Ozuna and Henry Davis blew the game open. The bullpen remained fresh as Justin Lawrence and Evan Sisk combined for two perfect frames to close the door.
Standout Performer
Henry Davis fueled the offense with a 2-for-3 night, including 2 HR, 3 RBI, 3 R, and 1 BB. Entering the game with a .154 average, Davis hit a solo shot in the fourth. He then drove in two more runs in the fifth. His second career multi-homer game gave the Pirates the spark they needed. It helped them distance themselves from a surging Reds team and end the team’s slide.
Key News & Notes
RHP Jared Jones (right UCL sprain) will make his next rehab start with Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday after hitting 101.1 mph in his initial Bradenton outing. Manager Don Kelly announced this update. Additionally, the Pirates officially released RHP Ryan Harbin on Friday following his recent designation for assignment. INF Jared Triolo is progressing well through his knee injury rehab. He was expected to play back-to-back games at Double-A Altoona.
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Farm Report
- Triple-A (Indianapolis): Esmerlyn Valdez (1-for-5, HR, 2 RBI) hit a home run in a 11-7 loss to Memphis. His two-run blast in the sixth sparked a late-inning rally. The rally ultimately fell short.
- Double-A (Altoona): Omar Alfonzo (1-for-3, 2B, 3 RBI) led the Curve to a 5-4 win over Richmond. He delivered a bases-clearing double during a decisive five-run sixth inning.
- High-A (Greensboro): Duce Sanford (1-for-4, 2B, 1 R) provided the lone offensive spark in a 10-1 loss to Winston-Salem. He scored the team’s only run as the team was limited to six hits.
- Single-A (Bradenton): Jhostynxon Garcia (1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI) powered the Marauders to a 5-4 win over Lakeland. He hit a solo home run in the seventh. This secured the victory. Seth Hernandez pitched five innings, giving up two earned runs on six hits, one walk, and two home runs. Hernandez struck out nine and now has a 1.23 ERA
Looking Ahead
The series continues Saturday as Pirates RHP Carmen Mlodzinski (1-2, 4.13 ERA) takes the mound against Cincinnati’s RHP Rhett Lowder (3-1, 3.18 ERA).
Finding dominant offensive support for Mitch Keller in this “serious litmus test” game provides a much-needed reset for the club. What do you think?
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