PITTSBURGH -- In a weekend showdown against the Reds, the Pirates were on the ropes after dropping the first two games. But on Sunday, they turned things around with a decisive 9-4 victory, bringing their record back to an even .500 at 42-42. This win sets the stage for a challenging stretch, as the Pirates are slated to face a series of formidable opponents, each boasting records of .500 or better.
The Pirates came out swinging in the second inning, taking advantage of Reds starter Brady Singer. Singer, who had been rock solid in June, allowing just four earned runs across four starts, found himself in hot water.
Esmerlyn Valdez kicked things off with a ground-rule double that brought in a run, setting the table for Tyler Callihan. Callihan didn't disappoint, launching a three-run homer that cleared the right-field stands and gave Pittsburgh a commanding 4-0 lead.
On the mound for the Pirates, Mitch Keller was cruising early, facing the minimum through three innings and fanning two batters. But the Reds were not about to roll over.
In the fourth, JJ Bleday delivered a clutch two-run single to center, cutting into the lead. Keller ran into more trouble in the fifth, allowing a walk and a double, which trimmed the Pirates' advantage to just one run.
The game saw its first tie in the fifth when Edwin Arroyo, hitting ninth in the order, slapped a single down the right-field line, bringing Tyler Stephenson home and knotting the score at 4-4. With Keller's pitch count climbing past 70, the Pirates knew they needed a spark.
Enter Ryan O'Hearn. In the bottom of the fifth, he stepped up and delivered a no-doubt homer to right field-his 12th of the season-putting Pittsburgh back in the driver's seat. Keller handed the reins over to reliever Carmen Mlodzinski after six innings, and Mlodzinski was tasked with holding a slim lead.
The Pirates had chances to extend their lead, loading the bases in both the fourth and sixth innings, but couldn't capitalize. The tension mounted in the eighth when the Reds threatened with the tying run on second. Mlodzinski, however, kept his cool and navigated out of the jam.
Then came the rain-a 65-minute delay that could have stalled Pittsburgh's momentum. But it seemed to only fuel them.
O'Hearn returned to the plate and hammered a three-run homer, his second of the game, to put the Pirates comfortably ahead. Not to be outdone, Valdez added to the fireworks with a home run of his own, marking his third consecutive game with a homer.
With this win, the Pirates not only salvaged the series but also showcased their resilience. As they gear up for a challenging stretch, they'll need every bit of that grit and determination.
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