SPORTS

Pirates-Rays series sees split after extra-innings thriller Saturday

PUBLISHED Apr 17, 2026, 11:51 PM ET

Read, Watch or Listen

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 11

Center 100%

Sources: 11

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Tampa Bay Rays 5-1 Friday night at PNC Park when Oneil Cruz hit a home run and Bubba Chandler allowed one run over six innings, earning his first victory; relievers Mason Montgomery, Gregory Soto and Dennis Santana each tossed scoreless innings. On Saturday the Rays defeated Pittsburgh 8-7 in 13 innings after a nearly 2 1/2-hour rain delay when Cedric Mullins hit a two-run homer; the game lasted six hours and 40 minutes, Pittsburgh finished 2-for-17 with runners in scoring position and left 12 men on base, while Paul Skenes tossed four scoreless innings.

By Sidra | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Friday: Pirates win 5-1 at PNC Park; Cruz homers and Chandler starts strong.
Friday: Montgomery, Soto and Santana each provide scoreless relief to secure win.
Saturday: Heavy rain causes nearly 2½-hour delay before play resumes.
Saturday night: Game extends to 13 innings; Cedric Mullins hits a two-run homer.
Aftermath: Series split; Pirates cited poor RISP (2-for-17) and 12 left on base.

News Intelligence

This series split shows the unpredictable nature of baseball. One day, the Pirates dominate with a strong pitching performance. The next, the Rays claw back after a rain delay and extra innings. It's a reminder that every game counts and can swing either way.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 11
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

The Tampa Bay Rays benefited from the extra-innings victory and Cedric Mullins' 13th-inning two-run homer, securing a late win and momentum after a lengthy rain delay and multiple lead changes.

Who Impacted

The Pittsburgh Pirates suffered from missed scoring opportunities and the rain delay disruption, finishing 2-for-17 with runners in scoring position and leaving 12 men on base, which cost them the extra-innings outcome.