The Pittsburgh Pirates avoided a four-game series sweep by the Philadelphia Phillies following a 6-0 victory Sunday. Starting pitcher Max Kranick earned the victory with five shutout innings, allowing four hits. Four Pirate relievers did not allow a run to close out the game. Mars native David Bednar was one of the relievers, as he returned from the Injured List. Cole Tucker had two hits in the game, including his first home run of the season. Ke’Bryan Hayes also had two hits, including his 20th double of the year.
The Pirates visit Cincinnati for a make-up game today at 1:10pm. Hear the game on WISR beginning at 12:45pm.
The Bucs return home to host the Chicago Cubs and the Reds for two three-game series to close out their year. The Pirates are 58-97 overall with seven games remaining in the season.
The St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Chicago Cubs 4-2 Sunday for their 16th victory in a row. The Cards need just one more win, or any loss by the Reds and the Philadelphia Phillies to clinch the final National League Wild Card spot.
The Phillies begin a series with Atlanta Tuesday and are two games behind the Braves in the National League East.
Entering the final week in the American League – the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are in Wild Card spots, with Toronto one game behind. The Seattle Mariners are two games behind with six games remaining for all teams.
The Milwaukee Brewers clinched their second N.L. Central title in four years following an 8-4 win over the New York Mets Sunday.
The Tampa Bay Rays clinched the A.L. East over the weekend. On Sunday, former Pirate prospect Shane Baz won his second major league start, throwing 5-2/3rd scoreless innings and striking out nine.
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