The Pittsburgh Pirates delivered a dominant performance at PNC Park, shutting out the Oakland Athletics 11-0. The Pirates’ victory boosts their record to 66-89, firmly placing them 5th in the NL Central. Meanwhile, the Athletics fall to 73-82, maintaining their 4th position in the AL West.
Under the sweltering 100-degree heat and clear skies, the Pirates took charge from the first pitch at 6:37 PM. The crowd, though not officially recorded, witnessed a game that lasted just over two hours, providing a masterclass from the home team.
Pirates’ Offensive Fireworks
Leading the charge for Pittsburgh was Jared Triolo, who went 4-for-5 with a home run, a double, and three RBIs. Joey Bart also had a stellar night, matching Triolo with a home run and three RBIs, while collecting four hits in his four at-bats.
The Pirates’ offense didn’t stop with Triolo and Bart. O’Neil Cruz contributed with a two-hit performance, driving in two runs to extend the Pirates’ early lead. Andrew McCutchen added to the onslaught, scoring once and driving in another run.
On the flip side, Oakland’s pitching struggled to contain the Pirates’ bats. Mitch Spence, the Athletics’ starter, was tagged for nine hits and seven runs over 3.1 innings. His outing was marred by a lack of control and efficiency, leading to an elevated ERA of 4.48.
Stellar Pitching by the Pirates
On the mound for the Pirates, Carmen Mlodzinski was instrumental in keeping the Athletics scoreless. Mlodzinski pitched three innings, allowing only two hits while striking out three, securing his fourth win of the season.
Max Kranick, Yerry De Los Santos, and Duane Underwood Jr. provided excellent relief work, combining for five scoreless innings. Their efforts ensured the Athletics couldn’t mount any form of comeback, as the Pirates’ pitching staff held them to just eight hits overall.
The Athletics’ offense was notably absent, as they failed to capitalize on any opportunities. Brent Rooker managed two hits, but the rest of the lineup was stifled by the Pirates’ impressive pitching.
Defensive Highlights and Looking Ahead
Defensively, the Pirates were flawless, committing no errors and turning several key plays to keep the Athletics at bay. In contrast, the Athletics’ sole error only added to their woes, compounding their struggles throughout the game.
As the regular season winds down, the Pirates will look to carry the momentum from this decisive win into their upcoming series against the Cincinnati Reds. Meanwhile, the Athletics are set to host the Houston Astros, hoping to bounce back on their home turf.
This game marked a continuation of Pittsburgh’s recent improved form at home, where they now hold a respectable 43-37 record. The Athletics, balancing their season on a near-even road record, will need to regroup quickly to end the season on a high note.
With both teams out of playoff contention, individual performances and team pride now take center stage. The Pirates will aim to finish strong, showcasing their potential for the upcoming season under the leadership of manager Don Kelly.
As September concludes, the Pirates and Athletics have limited games left to make final impressions. Fans can expect to see how rising players continue to develop and contribute to their teams’ future endeavors.
