Pirates-Rays series sees split after extra-innings thriller Saturday
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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.
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.
More context
Timeline
- 1. Friday: Pirates win 5-1 at PNC Park; Cruz homers and Chandler starts strong.
- 2. Friday: Montgomery, Soto and Santana each provide scoreless relief to secure win.
- 3. Saturday: Heavy rain causes nearly 2½-hour delay before play resumes.
- 4. Saturday night: Game extends to 13 innings; Cedric Mullins hits a two-run homer.
- 5. Aftermath: Series split; Pirates cited poor RISP (2-for-17) and 12 left on base.
Why it matters
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.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
