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Pittsburgh Pirates Execute Stunning Comeback Win Against Arizona Diamondbacks

Published 1 day ago4 minute read
Pittsburgh Pirates Execute Stunning Comeback Win Against Arizona Diamondbacks

The Pittsburgh Pirates staged their most significant comeback of the season on Tuesday night, overcoming a six-run deficit to defeat the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-6 at Chase Field. This remarkable victory evened the series between the two teams, after the Pirates lost 5-0 on May 27, and marked a crucial road win. The Pirates improved to 20-36 overall (7-20 on the road), while the Diamondbacks dropped to 27-28 overall (14-14 at home). The comeback was the largest for the Pirates since a nine-run rally against the Cincinnati Reds on September 23, 2023.

The game initially looked grim for Pittsburgh. Starting pitcher Mike Burrows struggled, allowing a solo home run to Corbin Carroll in the first inning. The Diamondbacks extended their lead in the fourth inning after a triple by Gabriel Moreno and a single by Alex Thomas made it 2-0. Burrows then loaded the bases again, prompting his removal. Reliever Joey Wentz entered and initially struggled himself, as three inherited runners scored and he allowed three consecutive singles to Geraldo Perdomo, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., and Josh Naylor. This culminated in a five-run fourth inning that ballooned Arizona's lead to a commanding 6-0.

A turning point began to brew before the bottom of the fifth inning when starting catcher Joey Bart exited the game, reportedly dealing with nausea after taking a backswing to the head earlier. Henry Davis, who had been diligently preparing on the bench by discussing game strategy with pitching coaches, stepped in. In his first at-bat in the top of the sixth inning, Davis provided an immediate spark, launching a colossal 432-foot, two-run home run – the longest and hardest-hit (109.6 mph) of his career – to center field. This put the Pirates on the board and cut the deficit to 6-2.

The Pirates' offense truly exploded in the top of the eighth inning, orchestrating a seven-run rally to seize control of the game. Henry Davis ignited the rally with a leadoff double. Alexander Canario followed with a single. After Adam Frazier struck out, Tommy Pham delivered an RBI infield single, making the score 6-3. Ke'Bryan Hayes then walked to load the bases. Isiah Kiner-Falefa stepped up and cleared the bases with a crucial double down the third-base line, dramatically tying the game at 6-6.

With the momentum firmly on their side, Oneil Cruz reached first base safely after an error by Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo, moving Kiner-Falefa to third. This set the stage for Bryan Reynolds, who capped the incredible eighth-inning rally by launching a three-run homer off Jalen Beeks. The 405-foot blast into the left-field seats gave the Pirates a 9-6 lead they would not relinquish. Reynolds finished the night with a stellar four-hit performance, including the go-ahead home run, a double, and a walk, driving in three runs and playing a pivotal role in the comeback.

Bryan Reynolds has been heating up recently, hitting .361 (13-for-36) with two home runs, three doubles, and 10 RBIs over his last 10 games. Manager Don Kelly noted Reynolds' improved swing, stating, "He’s been swinging the bat well, BP has been really good. He’s catching the ball out in front again, which is really nice to see. He’s doing things he does well."

Henry Davis's contributions were vital throughout his appearance. His leadoff double in the eighth inning was instrumental in starting the game-changing rally. Davis has gone 6-for-15 (.400) with three walks over his last six games, showing increased confidence. "I believe in myself a lot," Davis said. "Just knowing that if you are who you say you are, it's going to show, no matter what. Just continuing to have that same mindset and keep confident."

After a difficult start to his outing where inherited runners scored, reliever Joey Wentz settled in remarkably. The former starter tossed 3 2/3 crucial innings and, after the initial stumble, did not allow a hit and retired batters consistently, starting a stretch where Pirates pitchers retired 17 consecutive Diamondbacks. Wentz's effort was instrumental in saving the bullpen. "It's the job. It's the job to pitch,” Wentz said. “Until you're told that you're out, you're in. … Really happy with my individual performance, but really proud to be a part of the game tonight.” Following Wentz, Dennis Santana delivered a perfect eighth inning with two strikeouts. David Bednar then came in for the ninth inning and earned his sixth save of the season, ensuring the Pirates' victory.

The Pirates' comeback was a testament to their resilience and ability to "continue grinding," as Davis put it, adding, "‘We keep talking, continue to hit the ball, eventually it's going to fall.’” It marked their first win of the season when trailing after seven innings (they were previously 0-29 in such situations). Manager Don Kelly lauded the offense for "coming through big time" and picking up the pitching, calling it a "great team win." The Pirates aimed to carry this momentum into the next game of the series on May 29, with Paul Skenes scheduled to make his 12th start of the season.

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