Pirates Fall in Extras to Diamondbacks 3-2, Waste Keller’s Gem

Recap

After Friday night’s performance on the mound from Rich Hill, the Pittsburgh Pirates (40-49) were hoping to get a much better start from Mitch Keller (9-4, 3.31 ERA).

Keller delivered the goods for the Pirates in their Saturday matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks (52-38) in seven innings of scoreless ball from the righty.

Keller had a no-hitter through the sixth inning, until Ketel Marte delivered a two-out single in the bottom of the sixth.

Unfortunately for Keller, Colin Holderman came into the eighth inning and gave up a solo homer to Alek Thomas, rendering Keller’s start a no-decision.

Despite scoring in the top of the tenth, the Pirates failed to hold the lead and lost 3-2 on a walk-off to the Diamondbacks.

Key Moment 

After taking the lead in the top of the tenth inning, the Pirates sent David Bednar back out in the bottom of the tenth.

Bednar got charged with an error after a bad throw to Nick Gonzales and that placed runners on the corners with no outs and Thomas coming to the plate.

Thomas poked a ball to Carlos Santana who had no play after making a diving attempt and the Diamondbacks tied it up.

With the bases loaded, Corbin Carroll delivered a walk-off hit, lifting the Diamondbacks by a score 3-2.

Stat of Interest

The last time Keller took a game deep with a no-hit bid, was back in 2020 when he faced the St. Louis Cardinals on Sept. 19. Keller pitched six full innings without giving up a hit before being pulled.

Noteworthy

• Suwinski recorded his 15th hit against a left-handed pitcher on Saturday, and it was a big one at the time for the Pirates. In addition, that was Suwinski’s fifth double and ninth RBI against a lefty.
• Pirates batters struck out 15 times in their ten inning skirmish with the Diamondbacks.
• David Bednar received his first career error in the majors.
• Jared Triolo knocked in his fourth career RBI in the tenth inning.

Up Next

The third and final game of this three-game set between the Pirates and D-backs is set for Sunday evening. The Pirates have yet to announce a starter for Sunday, but whoever it is, they will face RHP Zach Davies (1-4, 6.52 ERA).