Pirates' comeback falls short in loss to Marlins

Noah Hiles, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Jun 10, 2025

Published in Baseball

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PITTSBURGH — His first season back from Tommy John surgery, Marlins right-hander Sandy Alcantara has had a rough 2025 campaign — excluding his work against the Pirates. After striking out seven in 4 2/3 innings on opening day, the former Cy Young winner was even better Tuesday, tossing six scoreless frames to help hand the Pirates a 3-2 loss at PNC Park.

The loss snapped Pittsburgh’s four-game winning streak, the club’s longest of the season.

Mitch Keller was the game’s losing pitcher, falling to 1-9 on the season. Keller’s loss, once again, came from a lack of run support, as his 10th quality start of the year wasn’t enough. He allowed three runs, all earned, on eight hits while walking none and striking out four.

Miami opened the scoring in the top of the third inning on a two-run homer from Nick Fortes. Eric Wagaman added an additional tally to their credit the following inning with a two-out RBI single that scored Otto Lopez.

Alcantara had little to no issue against Don Kelly’s lineup, allowing just three hits and a walk while striking out six over six innings. While two of the three hits he surrendered were doubles, no Pirate managed to reach third base during Alcantara’s time on the mound.

Ke’Bryan Hayes put Pittsburgh on the board in the bottom of the eighth inning with a solo homer to left field off Ronny Henriquez. Oneil Cruz did the same just two at-bats later, smashing his 13th long ball of the season to make it a one-run game.

The Pirates created further excitement in the bottom of the ninth, putting the tying and winning run on base with no outs. However, with the game on the line, Marlins reliever Calvin Faucher held strong, finishing the win to earn his fifth save of the season.

It was over when ...

Wagaman doubled home Lopez in the fourth inning, which ended up being the game-winning run.

On the mound

As has been the case for the entire homestand, the Pirates bullpen remained highly productive. Ryan Borucki replaced Keller at the start of the seventh inning and retired the side in order. Isaac Mattson did the same in the eighth and ninth, giving the offense a chance to complete the comeback.

At the plate

The Pirates tallied six hits Tuesday night, four going for extra-bases. However, Kelly’s team struggled to execute when it mattered, finishing 0 for 8 with runners in scoring position.

Most valuable player

Alcantara, who improved to 3-7 on the season with his winning effort.

Up next

The Pirates will conclude their three-game series against the Marlins on Wednesday at PNC Park. First pitch for 12:35 p.m. Bailey Falter (4-3, 3.49) and Cal Quantrill (3-6, 5.63).