Going into the sixth inning, the only run scored was an RBI single by right fielder Jack Suwinski. It gave the Pittsburgh Pirates a 1-0 lead in the second inning. Both offenses remained quiet until the Pirates erupted with a five-run sixth inning, paving the way for an 8-2 victory. This win secured a 2-1 series triumph for the Pirates over the Rockies. The Rockies had displayed their offensive prowess. They scored 16 runs in a dominant 16-4 win over the Pirates.
Photo Cred: USA Today
However, in the series finale, their bats went silent, managing only two runs. Rockies’ starting pitcher Dakota Hudson (2-9) was effective until the sixth inning. He recorded one out before yielding consecutive singles to shortstop Oneil Cruz and second baseman Nick Gonzales. RHP Victor Vodnik relieved Hudson and induced a ground ball from first baseman Rowdy Tellez. Despite this, the Pirates followed with back-to-back singles and a walk, loading the bases with two outs and leading 3-0. Catcher Jason Delay then delivered a bases-clearing double, extending the Pirates’ lead to a commanding 6-0.
Postgame, Rockies’ manager Bud Black reflected on Hudson’s performance, saying, “One ground ball away from going six innings and giving up only the one run. That ball deflected off him that Gonzales hit, I mean that’s baseball, but that’s really, really unfortunate.” Hudson has struggled with run support this season, receiving four or fewer runs in 10 of his 13 starts. The Rockies did not score until the bottom of the seventh when a fielder’s choice by center fielder Jake Cave brought home catcher Jacob Stallings, cutting the Pirates’ lead to 8-1.
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Photo Cred: Bucs Dugout
In the ninth, left fielder Nolan Jones, back from injury, hit an RBI single as part of a 3-for-4 day. Pirates reliever Josh Fleming, making a spot start, pitched four scoreless innings, striking out two without allowing any walks. The bullpen, had given up 10 earned runs the game prior played better. Three relievers allowing just two earned runs on five hits over the remaining five innings. Carmen Mlodzinski (1-2) earned the win, pitching two scoreless innings without allowing a hit.
Tellez, third baseman Jared Triolo, and Delay combined for seven RBIs in the victory. This was only Delay’s third game of the season, in which he entered with just one RBI. Pirates manager Derek Shelton praised Delay’s performance, stating, “He caught the ball really well. To go through that many relievers, it’s almost like a spring training game. And then the big double—Triolo’s hit with two outs and Delay’s big double—was huge for us to extend the lead so we could avoid using our leverage guys at the end.”
After going 14-13 in May, the Rockies have started June with a 4-11 record. Their 11-game homestand continues on Monday when the NL-West leading Los Angeles Dodgers (44-29) come to Coors Field for a four-game series. RHP Cal Quantrill (6-4, 3.30 ERA) is set to start for the Rockies against Dodgers LHP James Paxton (6-1, 3.92 ERA). Meanwhile, the Pirates return home for a six-game homestand beginning on Monday, with RHP Paul Skenes (3-0, 2.43 ERA) facing Cincinnati’s Carson Spiers (0-0, 2.33 ERA).
