Falter’s No-Hit Bit Broken up Late; Pirates Complete Season Sweep Over Marlins

PITTSBURGH – Bailey Falter carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning for the Pittsburgh Pirates in their 3-1 win over the Miami Marlins on Wednesday afternoon at PNC Park.

Recap

Falter (8-7) started his outing by striking out the first three batters of the game, setting the tone for the rest of his outing. 

The left-hander didn’t allow his first hit of the game until Jonah Bride hit a soft-served single into left field with one out in the seventh. The Pirates (70-76) still recorded an out on the play as Billy Cook fired to third and erased Otto Lopez, who was trying to advance after drawing a leadoff walk. 

Falter tossed 7.1-scoreless innings against the Marlins (54-92), allowed two hits, walked three and struck out five. He set a career-high with 18 whiffs. 

For the fifth-straight game, the Pirates scored in the first inning. With the bases full, Oneil Cruz drew a walk to put the Bucs up 1-0. Connor Joe followed with a sacrifice fly to center to extend the lead by a run.

Jared Triolo connected on his eighth home run of the season in the third, a solo shot to left off of Jonathan Bermúdez (0-1), who was making his first-career-start.

David Bednar was given a save opportunity and allowed a leadoff double which was followed by an Isiah Kiner-Falefa error at short. Bednar struck out the next two batters but allowed an RBI-single to Cristian Pache.

Jalen Beeks relieved Bednar and allowed an infield single to Kyle Stowers to load the bases. He was able to retired Xavier Edward for his 10th save of the season and first with the Pirates.

Key Moment

Bride’s single ended what could have been the Pirates’ first no-hitter since a combined effort in 1997. The last Pirates’ pitcher to throw a nine-inning no-hitter was John Candelaria in 1976. 

Star of the Game

There’s only one answer and it’s Bailey Falter. It was the fifth time this season he completed seven innings and the first time since June 18 against the Reds. Falter’s career-high in innings is 7.2 – on May 18 against the Cubs at Wrigley. 

Stat to Know

With the win, the Pirates were victorious in all seven matchups with the Marlins and have won eight-straight against Miami dating back to the final game of 2023. It marks the first time the Pirates have had an eight-game winning streak against Miami. 

Noteworthy

• Before the game, general manager Ben Cherington said he expects Derek Shetlon to return as manager in 2025. 

Up Next

The Pirates have a day off on Thursday before they continue their homestand on Friday night against the Kansas City Royals. Luis Ortiz (6-5, 3.26 ERA) will get another start for Pittsburgh. The Royals haven’t announced a starter. First pitch: 6:40.