After a frustrating start to the 2025 MLB season, the Pittsburgh Pirates are showing some signs of life. They are back in the win column for the 14th time of the season, thanks to a walk-off RBI infield single by Joey Bart that allowed Adam Frazier to score the game-winning run on a slide into home plate.
The Pirates jumped out to a 3-0 lead in this matchup with starting pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski throwing 5.2 scoreless innings to start the game. The Atlanta Braves tied the game in the top of the 8th inning thanks to a bases-loaded double by Sean Murphy, who came in as a pinch-hitter and cleared the bases.
Pittsburgh got the last laugh, producing two hits and the game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth. This was Bart’s second hit of the game, and he was responsible for two of their four RBIs.
This victory comes just three days after the organization elected to fire manager Dereck Shelton due to the team’s 12-26 start. In just his second game as manager yesterday, Don Kelly was ejected from the game after arguing with the home plate umpire. Bryan Reynolds was chased from the same game less than two innings later, and Pittsburgh ended up suffering a 3-2 loss in extra innings.
Whether this show of passion serves as a spark or not is to be determined, but the victory is a great sign. The Pirates still have plenty of work to do with their record now at 14-27 on the season. They sit in last place in the National League Central, and their odds to make the playoffs have slipped to +2200 on DraftKings Sportsbook.
There is still time for this organization to turn the season around, and time will tell if this eventful week ends up being looked at as a turning point.
