The Pittsburgh Pirates staged a thrilling comeback not once, but twice, to secure a sensational 6-4 walk-off victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday. Josh Palacios played the hero, hitting a two-run home run in the 10th inning to clinch the three-game series for the Pirates.
With Jared Triolo on base as the automatic runner, Palacios led off the 10th by launching a slider from Andrew Vasquez 367 feet to right field. Not only did this blast give the Pirates the win, but it also marked a special occasion for Palacios as he celebrated his 28th birthday. His walk-off home run on his birthday made him the first Pirates player to achieve this feat, according to Elias Sports Bureau.
The game was laden with excitement right from the start. In the 4th inning, the Phillies took a 2-0 lead when Alec Bohm hammered a two-run homer to right-center field, measuring 396 feet. However, the Pirates refused to back down and fought their way back into the game.
In the 7th inning, Bryan Reynolds narrowed the deficit to 4-3 with a single, followed by an error by rookie Johan Rojas in center field which allowed Connor Joe to score. The intensity continued to build in the 8th inning when Triolo singled off Yunior Marte, advanced to third on Palacios’ double, and scored the tying run on a sacrifice to right from Nick Gonzales.
With the game tied at 4-4, the stage was set for Palacios to deliver his game-winning heroics in the 10th inning. His birthday blast propelled the Pirates to victory and sealed their series triumph over the Phillies.
While the Pirates celebrated their hard-fought win, the Phillies were left to reflect on missed opportunities and fundamental errors. Phillies manager Rob Thomson acknowledged that his team had not played at their best, expressing the need to clean up their performance and avoid making basic mistakes.
Although the Phillies’ starting pitcher, Cristopher Sánchez, did not allow a hit in five innings, he was pulled from the game due to an upset stomach. Despite Sánchez’s departure, the Phillies held a 4-2 lead until the Pirates’ late surge.
Looking ahead, the Phillies will turn to RHP Taijuan Walker to start a four-game road series against the Miami Marlins. Walker, who has a record of 11-4 this season, will be aiming to bounce back after two winless starts following a seven-game winning streak.
Meanwhile, the Pirates will send RHP Johan Oviedo to the mound in their upcoming two-game series against the Detroit Tigers. Oviedo has shown promise in recent starts, displaying improved performance after struggling in his previous outings.
The Pirates’ thrilling victory and series win over the Phillies showcased their resilience and determination. As they continue their season, they will look to build on this momentum and strive for more successes on the field.
