The Pirates are starting to string something together. With trade rumors swirling and the deadline fast approaching, Pittsburgh secured its second straight win over the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers, riding Mitch Keller’s consistency and a thunderous offensive outburst to an 8–5 victory Tuesday night at PNC Park.
Keller, potentially making his final start in a Pirates uniform, delivered six innings of three-run ball, striking out five and walking three. It was his 15th quality start of the season, tying him for the MLB lead and reinforcing his value as both a rotation anchor and a trade chip. After dropping 10 straight decisions earlier this year, Keller has now won three in a row, and his 3.53 ERA across 21 starts speaks volumes about his reliability.
The Pirates’ offense, dormant for much of July, erupted for 14 hits, including eight doubles — their most in a single game since 2002. Spencer Horwitz, Bryan Reynolds, and Tommy Pham each posted three-hit, two-RBI nights, while Oneil Cruz added two doubles and scored twice. Ke’Bryan Hayes chipped in with an RBI single and aggressive baserunning that helped break the game open in the sixth.
Pittsburgh plated runs in the second, third, fourth, and sixth innings, building an 8–3 lead before Detroit clawed back with a three-run homer from Jake Rogers and a two-run shot by Jahmai Jones. But David Bednar remained perfect in save opportunities, locking down his 15th save in 15 chances.
The Tigers, now losers of eight of their last nine, will try to avoid a sweep Wednesday afternoon. They’ll send rookie right-hander Troy Melton to the mound for his MLB debut, while the Pirates counter with lefty Bailey Falter (6–5, 4.00 ERA). First pitch is set for 12:35 p.m. ET.
For Pittsburgh, the win wasn’t just another tick in the standings — it was a glimpse of what this team can be when the bats and arms align. Whether Keller remains part of that picture beyond July 31 remains to be seen. One thing is for sure, he should command a nice return on the trade market.
(photo courtesy of Steel City Pirates)