Pirates End Losing Streak with 5-0 Victory Over Padres

Andrew McCutchen launched a powerful home run into the second deck of left field off pitcher Dylan Cease, while Bailey Falter and three relievers combined to limit the San Diego Padres to just two hits. The Pittsburgh Pirates triumphed 5-0 on Saturday night, effectively ending a frustrating 10-game losing streak against the Padres.

McCutchen's impressive 396-foot blast in the fifth inning marked his fourth home run of the season, bringing him within one of tying Roberto Clemente for third place on the Pirates' all-time list with 240 home runs.

Falter (4-3) delivered a stellar performance, allowing only two singles over 6 1/3 innings, striking out one and issuing one walk. The bullpen trio of Caleb Ferguson, Dennis Santana, and David Bednar maintained the shutout with hitless relief.

Cease (1-4), who previously threw the second no-hitter in Padres history on July 25, 2024, against Washington, has struggled since his last victory on April 2 against Cleveland. In this game, he surrendered three runs and seven hits over 4 2/3 innings, while striking out six and walking one.

The Pirates wasted no time against Cease, as the first three batters reached base. Bryan Reynolds connected for a single that brought Oneil Cruz home after he led off the game with a double. Cease managed to retire the first two batters in the fourth but then allowed three consecutive Pirates to reach base again. Adam Frazier doubled, setting up Ke'Bryan Hayes for an RBI single.

Two innings after McCutchen's homer, the Pirates extended their lead with two runs on four consecutive hits against Yuki Matsui in the seventh inning. Reynolds hit an RBI double, followed by Spencer Horwitz's RBI single. Bradgley Rodriguez made his major league debut during this inning and quickly induced Alexander Canario to ground into a double play on his second pitch.

The 21-year-old Rodriguez, ranked as San Diego's No. 14 prospect, showcased his skills by fielding Canario's weak grounder and initiating the double play with a throw to second baseman Jake Cronenworth.

Falter's performance in May has been noteworthy, going 3-0 across six starts.

Looking ahead, Pirates left-hander Andrew Heaney (3-4, 3.41 ERA) is set to face Padres right-hander Randy Vázquez in Sunday’s series finale.