The Pirates went toe-to-toe with the Mets again yesterday and broke through with a big 10th inning by Henry Davis, winning their first game this season, 4-3.
Davis rapped a run-scoring single in the top of the 10th, giving the Bucs a 4-2 lead, then in the bottom of the inning, he fielded a one-hop relay throw from Jared Triolo and tagged out a sliding Francisco Lindor at the plate to preserve the lead. After a flyout to Billy Cook at the right field wall, the Bucs were finally able to celebrate win number one.
Manager Donnie Kelly says the Bucs squeezed out just enough offense to get a win in a tight three-game series.
Kelly says his bullpen struggled but fought for every out.
The Pirates’ newcomers continue to show the way. Brandon Lowe had two more hits, including his third home run, and Ryan O’Hearn had three hits and two RBIs, including a sharp single that scored Bryan Reynolds in the 10th inning.
Carmen Mlodzinski started and gave up two earned runs on six hits in four-and-a-third innings, striking out eight and walking none. Dennis Santana earned the win and Jose Urquidy got the save despite getting hit hard in the tenth.
The Pirates move on to Cincinnati to play the Reds tonight in their first Central Division series of the season. Right-hander Braxton Ashcraft makes his first start of the season against Reds righty Chase Burns. The airtime is 6:15 on WCCS, with first pitch scheduled at 6:40.
INDIANAPOLIS
It’s been a rough start to the season for the Pirates’ Triple-A Indianapolis Indians, who were swept over the weekend by St. Paul. Konnor Griffin doubled twice in yesterday’s 4-1 loss. Griffin had two hits and reached base four times in Saturday’s loss. He also had a hit in the opener on Thursday.
ALTOONA
Altoona opens its season with a three-game series starting Thursday night against Harrisburg.
