Pirates Break Through in Third vs. Strider; Hold on to Defeat Braves 7-6

Recap

PITTSBURGH — Jared Triolo’s two-run single served as the early knockout punch against Spencer Strider as the Pittsburgh Pirates took down the Atlanta Braves 7-6 at PNC Park on Monday night.

The Pirates rallied for six runs in a big third inning, which ended Strider’s night after only pitching a season-low 2.2 innings.

Connor Joe kicked off the scoring with a run-scoring groundout after Liover Peguero doubled two batters earlier. Andrew McCutchen followed with an RBI double of the base of the wall in left-center.

After the McCutchen double, Henry Davis drove him in with a hard-hit grounder up the middle before Triolo drove in a pair, prompting Braves manager Brian Snitker to go to the bullpen.

Peguero then delivered an RBI single off of relief pitcher Michael Tonkin to give the Pirates their sixth run of the inning, all of which were charged to Strider (12-4). Peguero finished his night 2 for 4.

The following inning, Joe belted a leadoff, solo homer to left field, extending the Pirates’ lead to 7-4. It was Joe’s second home run in as many games.

Joe’s homer gave the Pirates a little bit of breathing room after the Braves struck for four runs (three earned) off of Osvaldo Bido in the top of the inning.

David Bednar allowed one run in the ninth inning but held on for his 23rd save of the season.

Key Moment 

Carmen Mlodzinski (2-2) entered the game with runners on the corners and two outs in the sixth inning and induced a flyout against Ronald Acuña Jr. on the first pitch of the at bat to end the threat.

Star of the Game

Triolo was on base three times (two singles, one walk) and drove in two runs in the win.

Stat to Know

This outing was tied for the shortest start of Strider’s career, matching his 2.2 innings pitched exactly one year ago on Aug. 7 against the New York Mets.

Noteworthy

• With his RBI double in the third inning, McCutchen extended his on-base streak to 12 games.
• After finishing the game 1 for 3 with a walk, Joe now has a six-game hitting streak, which is his longest of the season.
• Prior to Davis’ run-scoring single in the third, he had only recorded four hits in his previous 52 at-bats dating back to July 22.
• Jack Suwinski snapped an 0-for-19 skid with a single in the seventh inning off of left-handed pitcher A.J. Minter. He also stole his first base since June 28.
• The game was delayed for 1 hour and 18 minutes following the fifth inning due to rain.

Up Next

The Pirates (51-61) and Braves (70-40) will continue their three-game series on Tuesday night. Right-hander Mitch Keller (9-8, 4.35 ERA) will look to get back on track for Pittsburgh. He will be opposite righty Yonny Chirinos (5-4, 4.42 ERA). First pitch: 7:05.