McCutchen Breaks Game Open; Pirates Continue to Best Marlins

PITTSBURGH — Andrew McCutchen hit a three-run blast to help lift the Pittsburgh Pirates to their sixth-straight win over the Miami Marlins, 6-4, at PNC Park on Tuesday night.

Recap

Just as they did on Monday night, the Pirates (69-76) jumped on the Marlins (54-91) early. With two in scoring position and nobody out in the first, Oneil Cruz brought home a run with a groundout to second. Two batters later, the Pirates scored another on a Jake Burger fielding error at third base on a Joey Bart grounder. 

The score remained the same until the top of the fifth, when Jhonny Pereda drove in a run with a base hit off of Kyle Nicolas to get the Marlins on the board.

But immediately after Miami trimmed the deficit, the Pirates erupted for four runs in the bottom of the fifth.

Bryan Reynolds brought in a run on his second hit of the night prior to McCutchen’s no-doubt 403-foot home run to left-center field. For McCutchen, it was the 20th time he’s homered this season. 

The Marlins struck for two more in the top of the sixth, with both runs going against Nicolas. Jonah Bride hit a sacrifice fly and Kyle Stowers doubled in another run off of Ryan Borucki, who inherited a pair of runners in relief of Nicolas. 

Joey Wentz (1-2) got his first Pirates’ win and first since last year on Sep. 17 while with the Tigers. Aroldis Chapman converted his eighth save of the season and second in as many days despite a Jake Burger RBI-single. 

Key Moment

McCutchen’s blast, in all its glory. 

ANDREW MCCUTCHEN DOES IT AGAIN pic.twitter.com/zv6c34rKQA

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) September 11, 2024

Star of the Game

The night belongs to McCutchen. In addition to his big swing, he also drew a pair of walks. He was the lone Pirates’ player to reach base three times. 

Stat to Know

McCutchen’s home run gives him eight seasons of hitting at least 20 in a season with the Pirates, the second-most in franchise history behind Willie Stargell (15 times). It’s McCutchen’s 10th season overall with at least 20 homers. 

Noteworthy

• Carmen Mlodzinski covered the first two innings for the Pirates and retired all six batters he faced. 
• Dennis Santana extended his scoreless innings streak to 18. It’s the longest active streak in the National League.
• Billy McKinney, who was designated for assignment on Friday, was outrighted to Triple-A Indianapolis. 

Up Next

Bailey Falter (7-7, 4.45 ERA) will start for the Pirates as they go for the season sweep on Wednesday afternoon. The Marlins have yet to announce a starting pitcher. First pitch: 12:35 ET.