PITTSBURGH — Stephen Kolek delivered an impressive performance for the San Diego Padres, pitching 5 2/3 scoreless innings in his first-ever major league start. This effort, combined with the work of four relievers, resulted in the Padres’ eighth shutout of the season, as they secured a 4-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday. This win marked their fifth consecutive triumph.
Kolek was brought up from Triple-A El Paso prior to the game, having previously participated in 42 relief appearances last season for the Padres after being selected from Seattle in the Rule 5 draft. Though Kolek posted a 6.38 ERA in five starts for El Paso earlier this season, he limited the Pirates to four hits, struck out four batters, and issued two walks during his outing.
Following Kolek, the bullpen showcased arms like Jeremiah Estrada, Adrian Morejon, Wandy Peralta, and Jason Adam. The Padres’ eight shutouts are currently the highest in Major League Baseball. Xander Bogaerts led the Padres offensively with three RBIs, contributing significantly as the team scored all their runs in the first two innings off Pittsburgh’s pitcher Andrew Heaney, who exited the game with two outs in the fourth inning.
In the first inning, Manny Machado doubled and later scored on a single by Bogaerts. The second inning saw Elias Diaz hitting his third home run of the season, followed by Bogaerts delivering a two-run double, extending the lead to 4-0. Heaney ended the day allowing eight hits and four walks while striking out three Pirates. Meanwhile, the Pirates have faced difficulties, having lost four straight games and seven of their last eight.
Machado played an essential role with three hits, while Bogaerts, Diaz, and Luis Arraez each added two hits. For the Pirates, notable performances came from Joey Bart, Ke’Bryan Hayes, Matt Gorski, and Tommy Pham, each collecting two hits.
A pivotal moment occurred during the second inning when the Pirates, down 4-0, managed to put two runners on base with only one out. However, Adam Frazier struck out, and Hayes was picked off attempting to advance, which thwarted their offensive effort.
San Diego’s relievers carry a remarkable 1.73 ERA, the best among major league teams. Looking ahead, the Padres are set to commence a three-game series against the New York Yankees on Monday night, featuring right-hander Nick Pivetta (5-1, 1.78 ERA) against left-hander Carlos Rodon (4-3, 3.43 ERA).
Meanwhile, the Pirates will kick off a three-game series in St. Louis on Monday night, with right-hander Carmen Mlodzinski (1-3, 6.58 ERA) facing Cardinals’ right-hander Miles Mikolas (1-2, 4.66 ERA).