Keller’s Complete Game, Olivares’ Grand Slam Lead Pirates to Win Over Angels

PITTSBURGH — Need a quick fix to break a slumping offense? Score four runs with one swing.

That’s what Edward Olivares did for the Pittsburgh Pirates, backing Mitch Keller’s complete game in a 4-1 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Monday night at PNC Park.

With the game still scoreless in the third inning, the Pirates (17-19) loaded the bases and with one out, Olivares tattooed a no-doubt 424-foot home run to left field off of Angels starter Tyler Anderson.

Pretty grand. pic.twitter.com/I3TWl8qhx5

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) May 6, 2024

It was Olivares’ first grand slam and the second by a Pirates’ player this season. Jack Suwinski hit the first of the season against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Apr. 14. 

That was more than enough run support for Keller (3-3), who threw the second complete game of his career. 

Keller efficiently navigated the Angels’ lineup and rarely found himself in hot water. The lone blemish against Keller was a Zach Neto solo home run to center with one out in the sixth inning. 

The right-hander held the Angels (12-23) to five hits and struck out five batters, two of which came in the ninth inning. It took Keller 109 pitches to get through his outing.

Keller’s one previous complete game came almost exactly one year ago to the date. The Pirates’ starter went the full nine innings against the Colorado Rockies last year on May 8.

For the Angels, Anderson (2-4) allowed four runs in 6.1 innings pitched and struck out five.

In addition to his grand slam, Olivares doubled as part of a two-hit night. Bryan Reynolds also collected two hits for the second-straight game. 

Up Next

The three-game series between the Pirates and Angels continues on Tuesday night. Quinn Priester (0-2, 3.31 ERA) will look for his third-straight quality start. Patrick Sandoval (1-5, 5.91 ERA) will start for Los Angeles. First pitch: 6:40 ET.