Pittsburgh Pirates: Bryan Reynolds Home Run Leads to Victory in Atlanta

The Pittsburgh Pirates took down the Atlanta Braves for a victory on Saturday night

An early lead led to a victory for the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday night, After jumping out to a 3-0 lead, the Pirates defeated the Braves 8-4. With the win, the Pirates are now 66-76 on the season.

Pirates strike first

Ji Hwan Bae singled to start the 3rd inning, and this would prove to be the start of a 3-run rally for the Pirates. Following Bae's single Ke'Bryan Hayes would double him home. Bryan Reynolds then launched a 2-run home run, the 20th home run of the season from Reynolds made the score 3-0 Bucs.

The blast by Reynolds extended his hitting streak to 10 games. It also gave him a home run in 26 of 30 MLB ballparks, as it was the first time he hit a home run on the road against the team that Reynolds was a fan of as a child.

Johan Oviedo struggles

For the second time in as many starts since his dominant complete game shutout in Kansas City, righty Johan Oviedo struggled for the Pirates. This just continued what has been a wildly up-and-down season for Oviedo.

Oviedo pitched 2 scoreless innings to start the game. He allowed a run in the 3rd inning. The in the 4th inning, Oviedo ran into trouble. Oviedo failed to finish the 4th inning exiting with the bases loaded and two outs. Ryan Borucki got the final out of the inning to clean up his mess.

In 3.2 innings pitched, Oviedo allowed 3 runs on 9 hits, a walk, and 4 strikeouts. Not at all the start Oviedo was looking for in his efforts to rebound after struggling last time out in his first start following his complete game in Kansas City.

Bucs respond

After the Braves tied the game in the bottom of the 4th inning, it did not take the Pirates long to respond.

Miguel Andújar doubled to start the 5th inning and he came around to score on an Endy Rodriguez single. Jack Suwinski singled Rodriguez home, and then came around to score on a single by Bae. Just like that, the Pirates went from leading 3-0, to being tied 3-3, and then once again leading 6-3.

Bullpen shuts it down

Borucki got the final out of the 4th inning on his way to pitching a scoreless inning. Colin Sleby walked a batter and struck out three in 1.1 scoreless innings pitched. Carmen Mlodzinski allowed a solo home run in 2/3 of an inning pitched and Colin Holderman pitched 1.1 scoreless inning.

A Liover Peguero home run in the top of the 9th inning made the score 8-4 Pirates. It was then David Bednar time. Bednar would shut the Braves dow nin the 9th inning to finish off an 8-4 victory.

Next up

The final game of this series is scheduled for 1:35 PM ET on Sunday afternoon. As of this writing, neither team had yet to announce a starting pitcher for the game.