Four Runs Again; Not Enough for Pirates in 12 Innings
The Pittsburgh Pirates kicked off 2025 on the road against the Miami Marlins and are now behind in the series 2-1. Game One featured the much-anticipated sophomore debut of Paul Skenes, who delivered an impressive outing despite the Pirates falling short in a 5-4 loss. Skenes struck out seven batters over 5.1 innings, allowing two runs and showcasing the dominant fastball that made him one of baseball’s most exciting young arms. The Pirates led early but couldn't hold off Miami’s late rally, as Kyle Stowers provided the walk-off single for the Marlins. This would not be the first last walk-off of the series, and while the loss stung, Skenes’ performance was nothing to worry about.
Game Two saw Pittsburgh bounce back with a 4-3 win, fueled by a strong outing from Mitch Keller and boosts from Andrew McCutchen and Oneil Cruz. Cruz’s fifth-inning home run off Connor Gillispie put the Pirates ahead for good, while Keller tossed six solid innings, striking out five and limiting damage. David Bednar sealed the deal, despite the two-run home run let up in the ninth inning. Bednar secured Pittsburgh’s first win of the season.
Unfortunately for the Pirates and Bailey Falter, they couldn't secure a win tonight, falling 5-4 in 12 innings. The offense struggled with runners in scoring position, going just three-for-18 in those situations. Jack Suwinski had a chance to extend the game in the top half of the 12th but grounded out to end the frame before the Marlins walked it off in the bottom half of the inning. The bullpen, which had been solid in Game Two, faltered late, with Joey Wentz taking the loss. It was frustrating, but the weight of the loss is not on Wentz’s shoulders alone. The Pirates will need to sharpen their execution in clutch moments if they want to contend in a tough NL Central. Luckily for them, however, Milwaukee’s day wasn’t so fun either.
Second baseman Nick Gonzales was placed on the injured list early Friday and was replaced by Adam Frazier. Gonzales, who homered in Game One, continues to produce at a high level and is looking to build upon his 2024 breakout season. Adam Frazier has hit two for eight in replacement, with Enmanuel Valdez additionally filling the void at second base. With the final game of the series tomorrow, the Pirates must even the series to feel accomplished going down to Tampa. Despite the gut-wrenching loss today, Pittsburgh has the talent to compete but is all over the place when it comes to navigating things early on. Hopefully, Sunday will help turn the tide in the Pirates’ favor.
