In Pittsburgh, Andrew McCutchen hit a three-run homer to achieve his 20th home run of the season for the 10th time in his career, helping the Pirates to a 6-4 victory over the Miami Marlins. The designated hitter connected on a fastball from Miami’s Adam Oller in the fifth inning, propelling the ball into the left-field bleachers and giving Pittsburgh a five-run advantage.
McCutchen has had eight of his 20-homer seasons with the Pirates, placing him second in franchise history behind Hall of Famer Willie Stargell. Isaiah Kiner-Falefa and Bryan Reynolds each contributed two hits for Pittsburgh, which extended its winning streak to three games. Joey Wentz secured the win, while Aroldis Chapman notched his eighth save despite a shaky ninth inning.
Jhonny Pereda collected three hits for the Marlins, with Kyle Stowers adding a pair of doubles. The Marlins, who clinched a wild card spot last year, are currently headed towards their first 100-loss season since 2019.
Oller, part of Miami’s major-league-record-tying 69 players used this season, allowed two runs in the first inning and four more in the fifth, culminating in McCutchen’s milestone homer. McCutchen, a five-time All-Star and the 2013 NL MVP, is in his second stint with the Pirates after being traded to the San Francisco Giants in 2017 and returning in 2023.
McCutchen, who considers Pittsburgh his hometown, has hit 235 of his career homers for the Pirates, ranking fourth in team history behind Roberto Clemente. The Marlins claimed RHP Michael Petersen off waivers from the Dodgers, while designating RHP Brett de Geus for assignment.
Due to left foot soreness, infielder Connor Norby was removed from the Marlins lineup, with Jake Burger filling in at third base. The Pirates are uncertain about 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes’ return this season due to back soreness. The series concludes with a daytime game on Wednesday, with Bailey Falter starting for Pittsburgh and the Marlins yet to name their starter.
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