Nick Gonzales hit the game-winning RBI single in the ninth inning as the Pittsburgh Pirates rallied from a three-run deficit to secure an 8-7 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday night.
Trailing 7-6, Connor Joe started the ninth with a single, followed by a walk to Andrew McCutchen by José Alvarado (1-4). Michael A. Taylor, running for Joe, and McCutchen then executed a double steal. Oneil Cruz tied the game with a fielder’s choice, setting the stage for Gonzales.
Gonzales wasted no time, hitting a first-pitch cutter through the left side of the infield to seal the win against the Phillies, who have now lost three of their last four games in front of a sellout crowd of 39,530 at PNC Park, the largest regular-season attendance since April 13, 2015.
Reflecting on the game, Gonzales said, “I don’t think so. Just the back and forth, especially against them, it’s pretty cool to do. It kind of shows that we can compete against the best.”
The Pirates extended their winning streak to five games, climbing above .500 with a record of 49-48 for the first time since April 24.
Carmen Mlodzinski (2-3) pitched the ninth inning, allowing two singles but retiring the next three batters to earn the win.
Weston Wilson played a crucial role for the Phillies, hitting a career-best three hits including a home run in the third inning that gave Philadelphia a 4-3 lead. He also contributed to a three-run first inning with a key single.
Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson praised Wilson’s versatility, saying, “He’s a baseball player, so we’re giving him a chance here. Hopefully, he grabs it.”
Pittsburgh’s Cruz was impactful as well, driving in runs in both the first and third innings against Aaron Nola, including a powerful double with an exit velocity of 120.5 mph.
