The Pittsburgh Pirates Top 5 Home Runs of 2015

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Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

3) Starling Marte vs San Francisco Giants – August 22, 2015 

Finally, some actual winning on the list and a home run that even Radhames Liz cant ruin (sorry Radhames).

Of course, that’s because the bullpen blunder came before the home run this time. After Gerrit Cole turned in 7 innings, allowing 1 run with 8 strikeouts in one of his best starts this season, Joakim Soria took the ball in the 8th inning.

Soria allowed a walk to Matt Duffy and a single to Brandon Belt, which was quickly erased by the double play off the bat of Buster Posey. With two outs and the tying run on third, Soria would throw a wild pitch to Marlon Byrd – allowing the run to score – before eventually striking him out.

George Kontos came on for the Giants and retired the side in the 8th inning on just 12 pitches. Mark Melancon came on for the Pirates in the 9th, matching the scoreless inning by Kontos and forcing the ball back into his hand. Kontos struck out the first two Pirates in the ninth inning, but his aggression got the best of him. On the first pitch, Starling Marte sent the fans at PNC Park home with a victory.

When Marte stepped in the box, the Pirates had a 53% chance of winning but of course, one swing erased that 45% difference. This win put the Pirates 25 games over .500 and in prime position for a Wild Card spot.