Pirates Snap Losing Streak with Narrow Win Over Twins

In a decisive moment, Spencer Horwitz grounded out with the bases loaded in the ninth inning, propelling the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 2-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Sunday, effectively ending their eight-game losing streak.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa shone brightly for Pittsburgh, matching his career high with four hits throughout the game.

With one out in the ninth, Ke'Bryan Hayes initiated the rally by singling off Twins closer Jhoan Duran. Pinch-hitter Oneil Cruz followed with an infield single, and Kiner-Falefa's subsequent hit loaded the bases.

Horwitz's sharp grounder was expertly fielded by second baseman Brooks Lee, who dove to his right. However, Lee struggled to transfer the ball from his glove, resulting in a force out at first base that allowed Hayes to cross home plate.

Dennis Santana contributed to the Pirates' success by pitching a scoreless eighth inning, improving his record to 3-2, while David Bednar secured his 13th save of the season.

For Minnesota, Byron Buxton, Carlos Correa, and Harrison Bader each recorded two hits. Despite finishing their nine-game homestand with a 6-3 record, the Twins fell short of reaching .500 for the first time since June 17.

Mitch Keller delivered a solid performance for Pittsburgh, allowing just one run over six innings. Unfortunately for him, the Pirates have often struggled to provide offensive support during his starts, scoring one or zero runs in 11 of his 20 outings this season.

Despite this, Keller's 14 quality starts rank him second in the majors alongside Philadelphia's Zack Wheeler, trailing only San Francisco's Logan Webb, who has 15.

Tommy Pham put Pittsburgh on the board with a home run in the second inning. Buxton, who achieved a cycle in Saturday's game, responded with an RBI double in the third inning.

The game was tied at 1-1 when Minnesota threatened in the eighth with runners on first and second and one out. Willi Castro's dribbler in front of the plate led to DaShawn Keirsey Jr. being thrown out at third base, followed by Trevor Larnach's flyout.

Simeon Woods Richardson pitched for Minnesota, allowing six hits and one earned run over 4 2/3 innings. In his last six starts, he has given up five earned runs across 30 2/3 innings.

Both teams will resume play on Friday following the All-Star break: Pittsburgh will host the Chicago White Sox while Minnesota travels to Colorado.