Pirates Three Stars of the Week: Marcano, Reynolds Lead the Way

It was more of the same for the Pittsburgh Pirates last week in their AL West-filled action.

The Pirates took the opening game against the Texas Rangers at PNC Park and the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park but failed to pick up a series win in either, finishing the week 2-4.

As we currently stand, the Pirates have yet to earn a series victory in the month of May with only one series left before June.

The Bucs are currently 26-26 and in second place in the National League Central. They trail the Milwaukee Brewers by 1.5 games for first place in the division.

Even with the prolonged slump, the club received strong contributions from a handful of players.

Third Star: Andrew McCutchen – .304/.360/.478, one double, one home run, one RBI, one steal, six games

McCutchen has done well ever since moving to the leadoff spot in the order for the Pirates, and that continued last week.

McCutchen’s homer came as one of seven hit against the Mariners in the Pirates 11-6 win on Friday night. The seven long balls tied a single-game franchise record.

ICYMI: We hit seven home runs last night pic.twitter.com/CioZOyiqlW

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) May 27, 2023

Second star: Bryan Reynolds – .348/.444/.696, 8 for 23, one double, two triples, one home run, six RBIs, two steals, six games

Reynolds was up to his usual self as he looked great at the plate for the Pirates last week. The Pirates’ outfielder hit, hit for power, got on base and drove in runs.

Like McCutchen, Reynolds belted one of the Pirates’ seven home runs against the Mariners on Friday.

Why not one more home run pic.twitter.com/c0W5MMu8rI

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) May 27, 2023

First star: Tucupita Marcano – .313/.353/.813, 5 for 16, two doubles, two home runs, five RBIs, two steals, five games

Deciding between Marcano and Reynolds for the first start was splitting hairs as both were essentially equally deserving.

Marcano’s emergence at the plate of late for Pittsburgh has been much needed. He belted his first-career grand slam against the Texas Rangers in the opening game of the series.

MARCANO'S FIRST CAREER GRAND SLAM!

Happy 4 Grand Slams presented by @DairyQueen pic.twitter.com/bej6cDC0XQ

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) May 23, 2023

This week, the Pirates conclude their West Coast trips with three games against the San Francisco Giants beginning on Memorial Day. After an off day Thursday, the Pirates start a nine-game homestand beginning with the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals on Friday night.

Check back next week for the Pirates’ top three performers from the week ahead.