Luis Castillo's 9 strikeouts led the Mariners to a 7-2 win over the Pirates on July 5, snapping Pittsburgh's win streak. Oneil Cruz homered in the loss.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Well, the ride had to end sometime. The Pittsburgh Pirates' exhilarating six-game winning streak was snapped Saturday night in a 7-2 defeat at the hands of the Seattle Mariners. Seattle's ace, Luis Castillo, was simply masterful, stifling the Bucs' bats for seven innings and reminding everyone why he's one of the game's best. While the loss stings, it was a day that still offered glimpses of the power, promise, and heart that define this team.
All good things must come to an end, and for the Pirates, their season-best six-game winning streak came to a halt Saturday in a 7-2 loss to the Seattle Mariners.
The story of the game was Luis Castillo (5-5). The Mariners' right-hander was in complete control, carving up the Pirates' lineup for seven innings. He allowed just one run on four hits and struck out nine, effectively ending the game before it ever felt like it started. Pirates starter Mike Burrows (1-3) battled but couldn't match him, surrendering five runs (four earned) in 4.2 innings. The Bucs' only early noise came in the third when a Bryan Reynolds double was followed by a Ke'Bryan Hayes RBI single, but they couldn't sustain any pressure against Castillo.
Even in a loss, Oneil Cruz provided a spark. The towering shortstop launched his 14th home run of the season in the eighth inning, a solo shot that served as a loud reminder of his game-changing power. Since moving to the leadoff spot, Cruz has been a catalyst for this offense. His team-leading home run total underscores his importance as one of the core building blocks for the Pirates' success, turning any at-bat into a must-see event.
While the big-league club took a loss, the farm system delivered a massive win. Top pitching prospect Bubba Chandler was officially named the National League's starting pitcher for the upcoming All-Star Futures Game. It's a huge honor for the 22-year-old and a testament to the organization's player development. Chandler has been dominant for Double-A Altoona, posting a stellar 2.98 ERA with 112 strikeouts in 94 innings. It's a thrilling preview of a potential future ace for the Pirates.
On the transaction front, the Pirates made a move to shore up a taxed bullpen, recalling RHP Carmen Mlodzinski from Indianapolis and optioning lefty Jose Hernandez. It's a necessary shuffle to keep arms fresh. And in a heartwarming moment away from the field, Andrew McCutchen celebrated his recent historic home run by recreating a photo with a longtime fan, Michael. The post, shared on social media, was a beautiful reminder of Cutch's deep connection to the fan base and his place in Pirates lore, a perfect counterpoint to a tough night at the ballpark.
Losing the winning streak is a tough pill to swallow, but one loss doesn't erase the progress made over the past week. The Pirates have a chance to take the series in Sunday's rubber match against the Mariners. With the power of Oneil Cruz lighting up the present and the promise of Bubba Chandler on the horizon, there's still plenty to be excited about in Pittsburgh. Let's bounce back tomorrow. Raise it.
