Pirates top Giants 2-1 on July 31, 2025, as Ke'Bryan Hayes' diving stop in the 10th secures the sweep. Quinn Priester shines in a classic pitcher's duel.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Talk about a picture-perfect ending to a West Coast road trip. The Pittsburgh Pirates battled for 10 tense innings at Oracle Park on Thursday, ultimately walking away with a gritty 2-1 victory over the San Francisco Giants to secure a hard-fought series sweep and cap a phenomenal road trip.
'A Gold Glove play' from the one and only Ke'Bryan Hayes.
The game was a classic pitcher's duel for nine innings, tied 1-1 heading into extras. Starting pitcher Quinn Priester was magnificent, silencing the Giants' bats over 6.2 innings while allowing just one run and striking out seven. After Liover Peguero drove in the Pirates' first run, the bullpen took over and was flawless, combining for 3.1 scoreless innings. In the top of the 10th, the Bucs manufactured the go-ahead run, setting the stage for Dennis Santana, who coolly shut the door for his 17th save of the season.
As crucial as the pitching and timely hitting were, the game may have been won by a single defensive masterpiece. In the bottom of the 10th, Ke'Bryan Hayes made a spectacular, full-extension diving stop at third base to rob a potential game-tying hit. The Pirates' social media accounts immediately lit up, celebrating the 'Gold Glove play' that saved the game and secured the sweep. It was a signature moment from a player who makes the extraordinary look routine.
The excitement in the organization extends far beyond the big-league club. The latest MLB Pipeline prospect rankings were updated this week, with right-hander Kevin Defrank jumping an incredible 11 spots to No. 12 and Hendry Mendez cracking the top half after a strong showing at Double-A. The system now features five players in MLB Pipeline's Top 100. Meanwhile, players like Esmerlyn Valdez and Jase Bowen are leading the Altoona Curve to victories, and all eyes are on Triple-A ace Bubba Chandler, whose 2.17 ERA and 56 strikeouts have him knocking on the door of the majors.
The Pirates head home from this West Coast swing with a broom in hand and a ton of momentum. This sweep wasn't just about one win; it was a display of solid starting pitching, clutch hitting, lockdown defense, and a resilient bullpen. With the farm system churning out talent and the current roster finding ways to win tough games, the final months of the 2025 season are shaping up to be must-see baseball in Pittsburgh. Keep an eye out for those late-season call-ups.
