Pirates, Joey Bart Walk Off Braves 4-3 to Claim Series

The Pittsburgh Pirates walked off the Atlanta Braves 4-3 on Sunday, May 11, taking the game and the series with a bases-loaded fielders’ choice from Joey Bart.

The ball didn’t leave the infield: shortstop Nick Allen got his glove on it and released a throw, but Adam Frazier trotted home with room to spare. Pirates’ starter Carmen Mlodzinski pitched 5.2 scoreless innings, but the bullpen ran into trouble late.

Pittsburgh scored three runs in the fifth inning as Braves’ starter Chris Sale ran into trouble his third time through the order. Jared Triolo and Ke’Bryan Hayes singled to begin the rally, moving into scoring position on a double steal. Triolo scored on a passed ball, then Hayes came home thanks to an Andrew McCutchen sacrifice fly. Joey Bart poked a single the other way to make it 3-0.

Mlodzinski got the hook the following inning after allowing a sharp line drive to Braves’ designated hitter Marcell Ozuna. Manager Don Kelly turned to Ryan Borucki, who turned in two scoreless innings.

Key Moment

The Pirates unraveled with two outs in the eighth inning, when right-handed reliever Tanner Rainey entered with a clean slate. He promptly loaded the bases, queuing Kelly to phone the bullpen for Joey Wentz. Wentz went ahead 0-2 in the count, then surrendered a three-run double to pinch hitter Sean Murphy.

Nevertheless, the Pirates managed to mount a ninth inning rally, loading the bases before Bart called game.

Star of the Game

Right-handed starting pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski, who worked 5.2 scoreless innings on 83 pitches.

Notable Pirates Performances

• CF Alexander Canario: 1-for-2 with a double and a walk
• RHP Carmen Mlodzinski: 5.2 IP, 4 hits, 0 ER, 2 K’s
• C Joey Bart: 2-for-5 with two RBI

Stat to Know

The Pirates have not scored more than four runs since Tuesday, April 22. They’ve done so just six times in 41 games this season.

Noteworthy

• Infielder Jared Triolo received his 2024 Rawlings Gold Glove award in a pregame ceremony. Triolo won the award for his defensive contributions around the diamond as a utility player last season.
• Ji-hwan Bae has more stolen bases (2) than hits (0) this season.
• Joey Bart’s walk-off single marked the second of this season and his career.
• Prior to hosting the Braves, Pittsburgh’s last series win came against the Angels between April 22 and April 24.

Up Next

The Pirates head to the Big Apple to face the New York Mets in a three game series, set to begin at 7:10 p.m. on Monday, May 12. Staff ace Paul Skenes (3-4, 2.77 ERA, 47 K’s) will face Mets left-hander David Peterson (2-2, 3.05 ERA, 36 K’s).