The Pittsburgh Pirates came back from an early five-run deficit to defeat the Philadelphia Phillies 11-7 last night in the opening game of a four-game series. Esmerlyn Valdez hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning to get the Bucs on the board, and they went on to add six runs in the fifth inning. Jared Triolo and Endy Rodriguez had home runs in the game.
Starting pitcher Braxton Ashcraft gave up two home runs in the first inning and another in the third inning, but went on to pitch six innings to earn the victory. He allowed five hits and struck out eight while improving to 8-3. Reliever Gregory Soto couldn’t get through the eighth inning, allowing two runs.
The two teams meet again tonight at 6:40pm. WISR pre-game begins at 6:15pm. Bubba Chandler will start for the Pirates.
Valdez has now hit home runs in four consecutive games.
Bryan Reynolds had his hitting streak stopped at 17 games Sunday, but his on-base streak continues. He reached base last night for the 34th consecutive game. Reynolds had a double and walked. He scored twice.
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