Pirates Comeback Goes for Naught in 9-8 Loss to Diamondbacks

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates mounted a furious comeback after the Arizona Diamondbacks scored five runs in the first inning but it was all for naught in an 9-8 loss at PNC Park on Friday night.

Recap

The start to Monday’s game was something you’ve never seen before and probably won’t ever see again.

Corbin Carroll led off the game for the Diamondbacks (59-51) against Luis Ortiz with a little-leaguer homer. The speedy center fielder tripled to right and scored on an Oneil Cruz throwing error. Following Carroll, the next three Diamondbacks’ batters all hit traditional homers. Ketel Marte, Joc Pederson and Josh Bell hit back-to-back-to-back solo jacks as part of a five-run first inning.

The Pirates (55-54) got on the board in the fourth inning when Joey Bart singled home a run. Bryan Reynolds and Cruz each drove in a run in the bottom of the fifth to cut Arizona’s lead to 5-3.

After the Diamondbacks got a run back in the top of the sixth, the Pirates responded with a four-spot in the bottom of the inning.

Michael A. Taylor was robbed of a hit but brought home a run. McCutchen, Reynolds and Cruz each followed with two-out RBI singles to put the Pirates ahead by a run. McCutchen was initially ruled out at the plate on Cruz’s single, but manager Derek Shelton challenged and the call was overturned. 

The lead was short-lived, however, as Bell connected on his second homer of the game. Bell’s solo homer off of Aroldis Chapman tied the game 7-7. 

Gabriel Moreno led off the eighth inning off of Colin Holderman After stealing second and advancing to third on a wild pitch, Geraldo Perdomo doubled to right field to put Arizona back up by a run.

Marte tacked on an insurance run for Arizona with a solo homer off of Dennis Santana in the ninth, his second homer of the night.

Rowdy Tellez drove in Cruz on a base hit in the ninth but the Pirates were unable to push across the tying run.

Key Moment

Bell’s homer against Chapman quickly shifted back the momentum in the Diamondbacks’ favor. It was the first homer Chapman allowed since May 26.

Star of the Game

Oneil Cruz finished the game 5 for 5 with a double, two RBIs, a stolen base and a run scored. It was the first time in his career Cruz has had five hits in one game. 

Stat to Know

Colin Holderman has a 6.08 ERA across his last 14 appearances dating back to June 23. 

Noteworthy

• In addition to Cruz, McCutchen, Reynolds and Hayes all had multi-hit games.
• The Diamondbacks hit five homers, tied for the most home runs the Pirates have allowed in a game this year.
• Pirates 2024 first-round draft pick Konnor Griffin took batting practice on the field pregame.

Up Next

Mitch Keller (10-5, 3.30 ERA) will be on the mound for the Pirates on Saturday night. Jordan Montgomery (7-5, 6.51 ERA) vs. will start for Arizona. First pitch: 6:40 ET.