The Pirates faltered at the start last night, but rebounded for a comeback 8-7 win over the Tigers at PNC Park. it was their largest comeback since July 12, 2008 (12-11 over the Cardinals).
Trevor Williams returned for the Pirates after a 33-day stint on the injured list. He was touched up for seven runs in the first three innings, but after surrendering back-to-back homers, he then shut down the Tigers through the fifth, retiring his last nine batters on only 28 pitches.
Trailing 7-1 in the third inning, the Pirates’ Corey Dickerson hit a two-run double. Then Starling Marte clubbed a two-run homer in the fifth, and in the sixth, Bryan Reynolds blasted a three-run home run to put the Bucs ahead, 8-7. A day after going 0-for-4, Bryan Reynolds was 3-for-4 with the game-winning home run, raising his average to .362.
Richard Rodriguez got the win in relief and Felipe Vazquez picked up his 17th save.
Here’s Greg Brown with more.
The Pirates will have a day off today before they welcome the hot-hitting San Diego Padres to town Friday. Joe Musgrove will take mound for the Bucs. He’s 4-and-7 with a 4.87 ERA. The Padres will pitch either Eric Lauer or rookie Cal Quantrill.
With Trevor Williams returning from the injured list and reclaiming his place in the Pirates’ rotation, the club has optioned top prospect Mitch Keller to Triple-A Indianapolis. In his three starts with the big club, Keller is 0-and-1 with a 10.50 ERA.
Catcher Francisco Cervelli has been cleared to resume baseball activities. He’s been out with a concussion since May 26th.
