Pirates

Pirates Tie Season Series With MLB-Best Braves in 8-4 Win

Published

8 months ago

September 9, 2023

The Pittsburgh Pirates tied their series against the Atlanta Braves with an 8-4 win Saturday. Johan Oviedo suffered a down night against the best offense in MLB, but the Pirates’ offense and bullpen managed to back him up.

Recap:

Center fielder Ji-Hwan Bae singled to begin the third inning. Ke’Bryan Hayes doubled him home, and Bryan Reynolds hit a two-run homer as Pittsburgh opened a 3-0 lead.

Atlanta tied the game in the fourth with three two-out singles, chasing Oviedo from the game. Ryan Borucki entered and forced Matt Olson to pop out to keep the score 3-3.

Miguel Andújar led off the fifth with a double. Endy Rodríguez, Jack Suwinski and Bae all notched RBI singles as the Pirates reestablished a three-run lead.

Reynolds doubled and Andújar singled him home to make it 7-3 in the sixth.

Olson hit a solo homer in the seventh. Atlanta brought the tying run to the plate with a pair of singles, but Colin Holderman entered and froze Orlando Arcia looking to end the threat.

Holderman retired Michael Harris II, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ozzie Albies in order in the eighth to set the table for David Bednar.

Liover Peguero homered in the top of the ninth to give the Pirates an 8-4 lead. Bednar retired the side in the bottom of the inning to secure the win.

Key Moment:

The fifth inning, when the Pirates answered back immediately, retaking the lead after Atlanta tied the game.

Star of the Game:

Reynolds, who went 3-for-5 and came a triple shy of the cycle.

Stat of Interest:

The Pirates now possess a 3-3 record against the Braves, who lead all of MLB this season with a 92-49 record. Sunday’s game will decide the season series.

Noteworthy:

Holderman retired each of the four batters he faced in his 26th hold of the season.
Oviedo lasted just 3.2 innings as his back-and-forth season continues.
Reynolds’ home run marked his third straight 20 homer season.