Pittsburgh Pirates News & Notes 05/11/2026

The Pittsburgh Pirates have a 22-19 record. They faced a heartbreaking 7-6 loss in 12 innings to the San Francisco Giants. The club concluded its six-game road trip with a 3-3 record. It now heads home to Pittsburgh for a much-needed off-day.

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MLB Game Recap

Pittsburgh fell in a marathon thriller at Oracle Park despite early home runs from Konnor Griffin and Oneil Cruz and a solid start from Bubba Chandler (5.0 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 3 K, 77 pitches). The bullpen used six relievers. They surrendered leads in the 6th and 10th innings. Justin Lawrence then allowed a walk-off single to Jesús Rodríguez in the 12th. Turning points included Spencer Horwitz’s clutch two-run double in the 10th to take the lead. The Giants then answered with a two-out, two-run single in the bottom half to keep the game alive.

Standout Performer

Oneil Cruz made history on Sunday. He finished 1-for-5 with a solo home run, a walk, and his 15th stolen base of the season. He reached 10 home runs and 15 steals in just 39 games. This accomplishment placed him alongside Eric Davis and Lou Brock. They are the only players in MLB history to achieve those marks in fewer than 40 games played. His 360-foot blast in the 5th inning briefly gave the Pirates a 3-2 lead. It further solidified his status as one of the game’s premier power-speed threats.

Key News & Notes

The Pirates split their road trip through Arizona and San Francisco. They will enjoy a day of rest today before returning to PNC Park. Spencer Horwitz showed signs of a breakout at the plate. He went 2-for-5 with two doubles and three RBIs in the finale. Reliever Justin Lawrence took his second loss of the season (0-2). The Giants loaded the bases in the 12th. This happened after an intentional walk to Drew Gilbert.

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Farm Report

AAA: Indianapolis Indians (15-24) lost 9-0 to Omaha. Center fielder Ronny Simon managed one of only two hits for the Indians. He finished 1-for-3 with a walk in the shutout defeat.
AA: Altoona Curve (11-21) defeated Chesapeake 9-3. First baseman Shawn Ross provided the fireworks with a massive grand slam. He finished 1-for-4 with 5 RBIs in the victory.

High-A: Greensboro Grasshoppers (21-12) outslugged Greenville 14-11. Shortstop Yordany De Los Santos filled the box score impressively. He hit a home run, drove in three RBIs, and stole two bases in a 2-for-4 performance.
Low-A: Bradenton Marauders (18-15) fell 5-3 to Dunedin. Designated hitter Edgleen Perez was a bright spot. He put up a perfect 4-for-4 day with a walk and two RBIs.
Rookie: FCL Pirates no game scheduled

Looking Ahead

The Pirates host the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday to begin a new home series. Ace Paul Skenes (5-2, 2.36 ERA) is scheduled to take the mound against Colorado’s Michael Lorenzen (2-4, 6.92 ERA).

Losing a 12-inning marathon is a tough way to end a road trip. However, seeing Oneil Cruz join the history books makes the flight home a little easier. What do you think?