Pirates 6, Tigers 1: A sweep of American League's best
JOE ROBBINS / GETTY
Spencer Horwitz hits a grand slam in the second inning today at PNC Park.
A third straight game with sufficient offensive support and a strong starting pitching performance led to the Pirates securing a 6-1 win and a series sweep over the American-League best Tigers this afternoon at PNC Park.
Andrew McCutchen and Spencer Horwitz each homered in the first two innings to break a five-game homer-less drought for the club. Meanwhile, BryanReynolds and Oneil Cruz each contributed multi-hit efforts to help guide an eight-hit attack. In the series sweep, the Pirates benefitted from eight-hit outputs and quality starts in each win.
Bailey Falter went six-plus innings for the first time since May 31, allowing a run on four hits with a season-high eight strikeouts over seven innings. It was his first eight-strikeout performance since Aug. 17, 2024 against the Mariners.
"Spence has been having great at-bats. Runners on base, got some big two out hits. Today was a huge one with the grand slam. Just staying within himself and doing what he can do," DonKelly said. "And how about Bailey Falter? Just unbelievable what he was able to do today. The mindset, the competitiveness, seven innings, he was unbelievable."
• Fourth sweep of the season • Lost 11 of past 15 • 11-25 vs. American League • 30-35 under Kelly
► THENUMBER
4: Outings this season in which Falter has allowed one run or fewer over seven innings
► THENEXTTHREE
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THE ASYLUM
Pirates 6, Tigers 1: A sweep of American League's best
JOE ROBBINS / GETTY
Spencer Horwitz hits a grand slam in the second inning today at PNC Park.
A third straight game with sufficient offensive support and a strong starting pitching performance led to the Pirates securing a 6-1 win and a series sweep over the American-League best Tigers this afternoon at PNC Park.
Andrew McCutchen and Spencer Horwitz each homered in the first two innings to break a five-game homer-less drought for the club. Meanwhile, Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz each contributed multi-hit efforts to help guide an eight-hit attack. In the series sweep, the Pirates benefitted from eight-hit outputs and quality starts in each win.
Bailey Falter went six-plus innings for the first time since May 31, allowing a run on four hits with a season-high eight strikeouts over seven innings. It was his first eight-strikeout performance since Aug. 17, 2024 against the Mariners.
"Spence has been having great at-bats. Runners on base, got some big two out hits. Today was a huge one with the grand slam. Just staying within himself and doing what he can do," Don Kelly said. "And how about Bailey Falter? Just unbelievable what he was able to do today. The mindset, the competitiveness, seven innings, he was unbelievable."
► THE COVERAGE
From our staff on the scene:
• News: Falter 'back on course'
• News: Either sweep, or be swept
• News: Grand series for Horwitz
• News: Shugart getting closer
• News: Brannigans done for season
• News: Valdez considered day-to-day
► THE HIGHLIGHTS
► MORE POSTGAME VIDEO
• Manager: Kelly's press conference
• Players: Inside the clubhouse
► THE BOXSCORE
► MORE GAME DATA
• Hitter breakdowns
• Pitcher breakdowns
• Updated statistics
• Season schedule
► THE STANDINGS
► THE TRENDS
• Fourth sweep of the season
• Lost 11 of past 15
• 11-25 vs. American League
• 30-35 under Kelly
► THE NUMBER
4: Outings this season in which Falter has allowed one run or fewer over seven innings
► THE NEXT THREE
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