The Pittsburgh Pirates current record stands at 41-41 after a frustrating home loss to the Cincinnati Reds. Pittsburgh saw an early lead evaporate and a late rally fall short, dropping them back to the .500 mark on the season.
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MLB Game Recap
Cincinnati defeated Pittsburgh 6-4 on Friday night at PNC Park. Noelvi Marte hit a tiebreaking two-run home run in the eighth inning. Paul Skenes started the game and allowed four runs on six hits across five innings. He struck out seven batters and saw his ERA rise to 3.10. The Pirates fell behind 4-1. They then rallied to tie the game in the sixth inning. Marcell Ozuna and Esmerlyn Valdez hit solo home runs. However, the bullpen surrendered the lead when Mason Montgomery gave up the Marte blast.
Standout Performer
In his first game back from the injured list, rookie Konnor Griffin went 2-for-4. He hit a 435-foot solo home run and scored a run. Griffin made history. He became the fifth-youngest player in MLB history to hit a leadoff home run. He joins an exclusive list that includes Mickey Mantle. The 110.1 mph home run came on the second pitch of the game. It provided an immediate emotional boost. It also offered a statistical spark in his return to the lineup.
Key News & Notes
The Pittsburgh Pirates officially reinstated Konnor Griffin from the 10-day injured list on Friday. They optioned Jack Brannigan to Double-A Altoona. Manager Don Kelly announced that right-hander Wilber Dotel is “trending in the right direction.” Dotel will begin a rehab assignment with Altoona on Saturday. Additionally, the club signed free agent right-hander Leuris Paulino to a minor league contract.
Farm Report
- Indianapolis Indians (AAA): C Rafael Flores Jr. went 1-for-2 with three walks and two RBIs in an 8-3 loss to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Despite out-hitting the RailRiders, Indianapolis went just 2-for-14 with runners in scoring position.
- Altoona Curve (AA): 1B Callan Moss finished 3-for-4. He hit a solo home run in a 9-1 loss to the Fightin Phils. Altoona struggled to capitalize on 12 hits, leaving 11 runners stranded.
- Greensboro Grasshoppers (A+): RHP Seth Hernandez earned his third win of the year. He struck out seven and allowed one run over five innings. This performance led to a 5-2 victory over Rome. CF Edward Florentino added a double and an RBI in the winning effort.
- Bradenton Marauders (A): LF Trevor Haskins had two hits in five at-bats. He hit a home run and earned four RBIs. These contributions were made during a high-scoring 12-10 loss to Palm Beach. The contest was marked by the ejections of outfielder Eddie King Jr. and pitching coach Matt Ford in the ninth inning.
- FCL Pirates: DH Loreto had a perfect afternoon. He went 3-for-3 with a solo home run. He also scored two runs in an 11-2 loss to the FCL Orioles.
Looking Ahead
The series continues Saturday at PNC Park at 4:05 PM ET. Jared Jones (1-1, 5.75 ERA) is scheduled to start for Pittsburgh against Reds right-hander Chase Burns (9-1, 2.00 ERA).
Konnor Griffin joining the history books on his first swing back is the spark this team needs. However, wasting a comeback effort at home stings. What do you think?
