Pirates Break Up Bid at Perfection But Lose 6-1 to Guardians

The Pittsburgh Pirates dropped the rubber match of their series with Cleveland, falling 6-1 on Sunday afternoon. It was a bad day for the offense, but at least not historically so.

Guardians starter Alex Cobb worked a perfect game for six innings. Pirates’ shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa broke up the bid at immortality, lining a 102 mile per hour infield single off Cobb’s glove hand to begin the seventh inning.

Cleveland designated hitter Kyle Manzardo hit the first two homers of his career off Mitch Keller, who allowed four runs (three earned) in 5.1 innings of work. 

Recap:

Cleveland got to Pittsburgh (63-73) starter Mitch Keller in the first inning on a homer from second baseman Andrés Giménez. All-Star third baseman José Ramírez singled, taking second on a passed ball from Henry Davis. Guardians left fielder Jhonkensy Noel doubled to trade places with Ramírez, pushing the lead to 2-0.

Manzardo’s solo shots came in the fourth and sixth innings.

Kiner-Falefa and Bryan Reynolds singled in the seventh, chasing Cobb from the game. Oneil Cruz grounded into a fielders’ choice to put runners at the corners then stole second, eliciting a throwing error from former Buccos catcher Austin Hedges. The play allowed Kiner-Falefa to come home, cutting into the Guardians’ lead. 

Ramírez homered in the bottom of the frame, then two walks and a single helped Cleveland go ahead 6-1.

Key Moment:

The Pirates opened the seventh inning with two singles, giving them a chance to get back in the game. Guardians’ reliever Cade Smith entered and quashed the rally, limiting the damage to one unearned run.

Star of the Game:

Cobb, who struck out six batters in six innings, the longest perfect game bid of his 13 year big league career. The lone run Pittsburgh pushed across was unearned thanks to the throwing error from Hedges.

Stat of Interest:

Oneil Cruz’s seventh inning steal gave him 20 on the season. He needs just two homers across the final month to join the 20-20 club.

Noteworthy:

• Ryan Borucki allowed two earned runs in one inning, his first appearance since landing on the 60-Day Injured List in early April.
• David Bednar pitched the bottom of the eighth with the game already out of hand, his first appearance since losing the closer’s role.

Up Next:

The Pirates will head to Chicago’s North Side to take on the Cubs at 7:40 pm EDT on Monday, September 2. Jared Jones (5-7, 3.88 ERA, 102 K’s) will take the mound for Pittsburgh. The Cubs haven’t announced a starter yet.