Adam Duvall hit a single in the 10th inning that brought Luke Williams home from second base, helping the Atlanta Braves defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates 2-1 on Saturday. Duvall’s hit, which went to center field off Kyle Nicholas (0-2), allowed Williams to score after he had started the inning on second base.
Braves players rushed onto the field to celebrate with Duvall, who entered the game with a batting average of just .165.
“We support each other through thick and thin,” Duvall said. “My performance hasn’t been great lately, so their show of support means a lot to me. I’m thrilled right now.”
In the top of the 10th inning, Edward Olivares attempted to score from third base on a wild pitch by Daysbel Hernández (2-0) but was tagged out at the plate.
Initially ruled safe, the Braves challenged the call, and a review showed that Hernández had caught the throw from Travis d’Arnaud and tagged Olivares before he reached home.
Pittsburgh rookie Paul Skenes gave up one run on six hits over six innings. Despite allowing a home run to Jarred Kelenic in the opening inning, Skenes settled in and struck out nine batters during the game. Reflecting on his performance, Skenes admitted he wasn’t satisfied.
“My execution just wasn’t there,” Skenes said. “I had to work through it… I need to keep battling and execute better from the start.”
Braves manager Brian Snitker praised both Skenes and Braves left-hander Max Fried for persevering through their challenges.
“I’m really impressed with Skenes,” Snitker said. “He doesn’t look like a rookie to me. He’s got a lot of confidence.”
Bryan Reynolds extended his hitting streak to 25 games with a triple off the right-field wall in the ninth inning. It’s the longest streak in Major League Baseball this season and the Pirates’ longest since Kenny Loft
