McCutchen helps push Pittsburgh Pirates past Marlins in 7-2 victory

Coming off a game two loss to the Miami Marlins (51-76) on Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Pirates (75-49) looked to rebound as they sent left-handed pitcher Jeff Locke (7-8, 4.46 ERA) out against Marlins’ left-hander Chris Narveson (1-1, 7.06). The Pirates’ offense made quick work of Narveson, who only last 3 2/3 innings while giving up seven runs, all in the first two innings, off eight hits and three free passes. Locke kept the Miami bats relatively quiet, only allowing two runs off five hits and three strikeouts.

Going into the top of the second inning, the ballgame tied at 1-all, Pittsburgh’s offense erupted for six runs. Neil Walker, Chris Stewart, Starling Marte, and Andrew McCutchen each had a hand in the scoring.

Walker started the scoring frenzy in the top half of the second inning, driving in Michael Morse from second base on an RBI double to deep right center field to give the Pirates the early 2-1 advantage. In the next at-bat, Stewart singled to center field, driving across Walker and giving Pittsburgh the a 3-1 lead.

More from Pirates News

• Pittsburgh Pirates: Potential Leadoff Hitters in 2023
• Pittsburgh Pirates: The Rotation is not being Improved
• Pittsburgh Pirates Make Vince Velasquez Signing Official
• Pittsburgh Pirates: Bob Nutting, Please Sell the Team
• Pittsburgh Pirates: Free Agent Starting Pitchers Still Available

Later in the inning, after a Marte RBI single pushed across Locke, McCutchen homered to left field to drive in three, giving the Pirates a 7-1 advantage after 1 2/3 innings.  McCutchen got two hits off five at bats in the game, with a home run and four RBIs.

Locke would let one run go by in the bottom half of the second inning when J.T. Realmuto hit into an RBI groundout to second, but it was not enough as Pittsburgh would win by the final score of 7-2.

What Stood Out

McCutchen was the key player for the Pirates on the night, as he hit a big home run, tallying up four RBIs in his first two at-bats of the game.

Starter Jeff Locke gave the bullpen a well-needed rest, throwing seven inning, only allowing two runs on five hits.

Joe Blanton closed off the game for Locke, sitting down all six Marlins he faced in a hit-less, scoreless outing.

What’s Next

On Thursday, Pittsburgh looks to close out the series on a high note, as the Pirates send out ace Gerrit Cole (14-7, 2.49 ERA) against Miami lefty Justin Nicolino (2-1, 3.77 ERA). Last time out against the Giants, Cole allowed one run off three hits in seven innings of work.

Next: Pittsburgh Pirates' Gregory Polanco mixing hype with performance