Back-to-Back Homers Lift Pirates to Extra Innings Win Over Giants

SAN FRANCISCO — Maybe this is the start of something big for the Pittsburgh Pirates’ offense.

With the game tied at one in the top of the tenth, a two-run shot by Bryan Reynolds immediately followed by Ke’Bryan Hayes’ first homer of the season gave the Pirates a 4-1 lead, and although a two-run homer by Jorge Solar made things interesting, David Bednar eventually closed the door for a 4-3 win.

Hunter Stratton (1-0) got his first major league win after pitching two-thirds of the ninth inning without allowing a run.

For the Giants, Taylor Rogers (0-1) took the loss.

The Pirates’ offense went down in order in the first, with Andrew McCutchen, Bryan Reynolds and Ke’Bryan Hayes each striking out against Hicks.

Hicks stayed sharp but so did Pirates starter Martin Perez.

Through three, each starter had allowed just one hit, and those baserunners were subsequently erased on double-play balls.

The first scoring threat of the game for either side took place in the top of the fourth. With two out and McCutchen on first, Connor Joe doubled to put runners at second and third for Jack Suwinski. But Hicks got Suwinski swinging, and the game remained scoreless.

San Francisco threatened for the first time in its half of the fifth.

A single and walk put runners at first and second with nobody out. But Perez got Michael Conforto to ground into a double play and struck out Thairo Estrada to send it to the sixth scoreless.

Finally, in the bottom of the sixth, the Giants broke through when a double by Wilmar Flores scored Nick Ahmed.

The Pirates broke a 19.1-inning scoreless streak in the top of the seventh when Rowdy Tellez brought home Connor Joe with a sacrifice fly.

It remained tied at one going to the bottom of the ninth. Colin Holderman and Josh Fleming each put up zeros for the Pirates in relief of Perez.

Each starting pitcher went six innings and got a no-decision. Hicks’ night ended with a run on five hits, no walks and nine strikeouts. Perez gave up an unearned run on four hits, walking two and striking out four.

The Pirates are now an even .500 at 14-14.

Up Next

The three-game set will conclude Sunday, with first pitch scheduled for 4:05 ET. Rookie Jared Jones (2-2, 2.79 ERA) will matchup with right-hander Keaton Winn (2-3, 3.54 ERA).