Bryan Reynolds and Joey Bart Power Pirates to Triumph Over Diamondbacks 4-2

The Pittsburgh Pirates secured a 4-2 victory against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday night, halting Arizona’s four-game winning streak.

Bryan Reynolds and Joey Bart delivered home runs to lead Pittsburgh’s offense. Reynolds’ two-run homer off Slade Cecconi in the sixth inning broke a 1-1 tie. Bart initiated the scoring with a solo homer in the second inning off starter Jordan Montgomery.

“Hearing the crowd go crazy like that, such a big spot in the game, it was awesome,” said winning pitcher Kyle Nicolas regarding Reynolds’ home run. “He’s come through for us in so many ways this year. Can’t really say I’m surprised, but it was fun.”

Reynolds, an All-Star, also walked twice and has been hitting .332 since June, raising his average from .249 to .287.

“He’s our best player, and he exemplifies that every night by the way he plays,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton said. “When he gets hot, he can carry us and have those big moments like he did tonight.”

Bart also contributed with an RBI single in the sixth, bringing home Connor Joe, who had doubled. A video review overturned an initial out call on Joe at second base.

Nicolas (2-2) pitched two scoreless innings for the win, while Cecconi (2-7) allowed three runs in 2 1/3 innings.

David Bednar gave up a run in the ninth but clinched his 19th consecutive save and the 20th in 23 opportunities this season. Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo went 3 for 3 with two doubles.

A 68-minute rain delay in the middle of the fourth inning shortened both starters’ outings. Pittsburgh’s Mitch Keller allowed no runs in four innings, and Montgomery gave up one run in three innings.

“I felt really good, probably the best I’ve felt all year,” Keller remarked. “I’m just kind of disappointed, but there’s nothing we can do about it. (The rain delay) just kind of dragged on too long.”

The Diamondbacks tied the game in the fifth inning with a bases-loaded walk by Jalen Beeks, but Beeks quickly recovered by striking out Josh Bell to escape the jam.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Pirates: DH Andrew McCutchen (left quadriceps tightness) left in the sixth inning after running out a groundball and is day-to-day. INF Isiah Kiner-Falefa (sprained left knee) was activated from the injured list and started at second base, going 0 for 3 with a throwing error. INF Alika Williams was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis. RHP Jared Jones (strained right lat muscle) pitched three innings in a simulated game, throwing 45 pitches. He’s been on the IL since July 4.

UP NEXT

Pirates rookie RHP Paul Skenes (6-1, 1.90 ERA) is slated to start Sunday against RHP Ryne Nelson (8-6, 4.53 ERA). Skenes’ ERA is the lowest in the majors among qualified pitchers since his debut on May 11.