PITTSBURGH — Henry Davis showcased his power by belting a crucial solo home run in the bottom of the seventh inning, propelling the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday. Before proceedings even began, the Phillies made a significant roster move by placing their star, first baseman Bryce Harper, on the injured list due to inflammation in his right wrist.
Davis, marking his fourth homer of the season and second in two consecutive games, connected sharply to send the ball soaring into left-center, effectively breaking a 1-1 deadlock. His impressive shot off Phillies’ pitcher Ranger Suarez (4-1) came on a first-pitch changeup. This win marked the Pirates’ third in their last four games, giving them a chance to complete a series sweep on Sunday.
Philadelphia’s sole run was delivered by Kyle Schwarber, who hit his 20th home run of the season with one out in the first inning off Pittsburgh starter Andrew Heaney. The Phillies have struggled as of late, dropping eight of their last nine games despite an earlier streak where they triumphed in 12 out of 13 contests.
Heaney, displaying solid form, allowed just one run over six-plus innings but eventually exited the mound due to left calf cramping. The seventh inning saw Alec Bohm start off with a double, followed by a wild pitch by Heaney. Reliever Isaac Mattson (1-0), stepping in for the Pirates with the game tied at 1-1, delivered a stellar performance by shutting down the Phillies’ lineup, securing his first major-league win.
To seal the victory, David Bednar made short work of Philadelphia in the ninth, earning his eighth save of the season. The game’s initial scoring occurred in the bottom of the first, as Nick Gonzales cracked a leadoff triple and was promptly driven home by Andrew McCutchen’s single.
On the mound for the Phillies, Suarez completed seven innings, surrendering two runs on five hits. The Phillies’ decision regarding Harper, the two-time National League MVP, was made retroactively effective from Friday.
In corresponding roster moves, the team called up infielder/outfielder Otto Kemp from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Kemp made his MLB debut at third base, though he went hitless at 0-for-3. Meanwhile, the Pirates adjusted their roster by placing catcher Endy Rodriguez on the 10-day injured list due to right elbow inflammation, recalling Mattson from Triple-A Indianapolis, purchasing the contract of catcher Brett Sullivan, and designating reliever Joey Wentz for assignment.
A key moment in the game occurred when Mattson, tasked with a runner on third and no outs in the 1-1 tie, struck out Nick Castellanos, induced J.T. Realmuto to fly out, and got pinch-hitter Bryson Stott to ground out, ensuring the Phillies did not take the lead.
Notably, Suarez has been a model of consistency, marking his sixth consecutive quality start. Next up, the Phillies are set to feature LHP Cristopher Sanchez (5-1, 3.15 ERA) on the mound Sunday against Pirates RHP Paul Skenes (4-6, 2.05 ERA).