Pirates even series with Diamondbacks in 4-2 win

PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) - The Pirates even the series with the Diamondbacks in a 4-2 win Saturday night.

A rain delay knocked Mitch Keller out of the game earlier than expected as he only pitched four innings and struck out four. The Pirates bullpen had to come in and hold a red hot Diamondbacks offense quiet.

Joey Bart opened the scoring in the bottom of the second with a solo home run, making it 1-0 Pittsburgh.

"He's taken the opportunity, he's run with it, obviously getting us on the board today," said manager Derek Shelton.

Dennis Santana replaced Keller in the top of fifth inning and got in to early trouble by loading the bases with nobody out. Derek Shelton turned to newly acquired left handed pitcher Jalen Beeks to try and put the fire out. Beeks got a pop out and a strikeout against the first two batters he faced, but would walk Joc Pederson to tie the game. He struck out Josh Bell to end the inning only allowing the one run.

In the bottom of the sixth, Bryan Reynolds blasted a two run home run over the center field wall to give Pittsburgh a 3-1 lead.

"He doesn't let the at bat get too big," said Shelton. "He worked the at bat to 3-2, got a pitch he can drive, he fouled off some other pitches, he took a really close pitch I think 2-2 but he just doesn't let the moment get big for him."

Bart added another run with an RBI single.

"The two out base hit was huge, I mean Connor with a great base running move to get to second, really good slide hustle double. And then Joey's base hit not only gives us the three but it changes your whole complexion of how you use your bullpen over the last two innings. He's done a really nice job and just continues to have good swings," said Shelton.

David Bednar struck out Eugenio Suarez and Gabriel Moreno to start the top off the ninth inning. Arizona wouldn't go away though, Geraldo Perdomo doubled to right field, Corbin Carroll drew a walk and Ketel Marte drove in a run with a single. That brought Alek Thomas to the plate with the tying run on first base. Bednar got him to fly out to center field to end the game. That's save number 20 on the season for Bednar.

The bullpen pitched five innings and allowed just two runs on five hits. They struck out eight batters.

"They did a good job. Beeks was huge. To come in with the bases loaded and nobody out and give up one. Pederson makes you throw strikes and he's done that throughout his career. To get Marte right handed on the punch out, that was big for us and then Nicolas being able to get through the seventh," said Shelton.

The Pirates can end the season series with Arizona 3-3 with a win on Sunday, when Paul Skenes takes the mound against Ryne Nelson. Our coverage on the Fan begins at noon with the North Shore Tavern Leadoff Show presented by Pella Windows.