Falter’s Whiffs, Power Surge Lead Pirates to Win Over Mariners

PITTSBURGH — Bailey Falter pitched well and the Pittsburgh Pirates slugged three home runs in a 7-2 win over the Seattle Mariners at PNC Park on Saturday afternoon.

Recap

Isiah Kiner-Falefa quickly got the Pirates (58-64) on the board with a leadoff homer off of Luis Castillo. It was Kiner-Falefa’s first homer since he was acquired from the Blue Jays. 

The Mariners (63-62) evened the score in the top of the second with two outs on Victor Robles’ single to left field. 

The Pirates reclaimed the lead two innings later on a Rowdy Tellez two-run homer that just snuck over the fence in right-center field. 

Bryan De La Cruz padded the Pirates’ lead in the sixth with a soft-served single into right field. Joey Bart scored from second and De La Cruz advanced to second on a bobble by right fielder Luke Raley. 

Jared Triolo connected on a solo shot off of JT Chargois in the top of the seventh to put the Pirates up 5-2. It was the first time Triolo hit a home run since June 25. 

The blast sparked a rally as the Pirates added on two more runs later on in the inning. Bart and Tellez each recorded RBI-doubles to tack on two more runs for the Bucs. 

Falter (6-7) allowed a pair of runs on eight eight hits in 5.2 innings pitched. He struck out eight and didn’t issue a walk. Additionally, Falter generated 16 whiffs, the most he’s had in a game since 2022. 

It was Falter’s longest start since completing seven innings on June 18 against the Reds.

Domingo Germán loaded the bases with nobody out in the ninth giving way to David Bednar, who retired all three batters he faced for his 22nd save of the season.

Key Moment

Tellez’s homer broke a 1-1 tie and served as the game-winning hit.

ROWDY TELLEZ 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/g2mEaVUzRF

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) August 17, 2024

Star of the Game

Kiner-Falefa finished the game with three hits, the fourth time this season he had at least three hits in one game. The previous other three all came while with Toronto. He also scored a pair of runs. 

Stat to Know

Falter’s eight strikeouts matched a career-high. He’s done it three other times with the last being earlier this year on Apr. 23 in a seven-inning start against the Brewers. 

Noteworthy

• After losing 10-straight, the Pirates have won back-to-back games for the first time since winning three in a row from July 28-30.
• The Pirates placed DH Andrew McCutchen on the 10-day injured list with left knee inflammation and recalled INF Alika Williams from Triple-A Indianapolis.
• LHP Ryan Borucki (left triceps inflammation) will begin a rehab assignment with Indianapolis.

Up Next

The Pirates will go for the series sweep on Sunday afternoon. Jake Woodford (0-4, 5.87 ERA) will make his third start for Pittsburgh. George Kirby (8-9, 3.73 ERA) will start for the Mariners. First pitch: 1:35 ET.