The Pittsburgh Pirates' bid for a series sweep fell short against the Philadelphia Phillies on June 8, 2025. Despite the loss, Henry Davis stayed hot at the plate.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Well, you can't win 'em all. Hopes for a satisfying series sweep over the Philadelphia Phillies were dashed in an early Sunday morning loss at PNC Park. While the final score stings, the weekend wasn't a total loss. Far from it. A new hero emerged at the plate, the bullpen continued its dominant stretch, and the future of the franchise is making noise down on the farm. Let's break down a weekend that felt like a step forward, even with a stumble at the finish line.
With back-to-back home runs this weekend, Henry Davis now has four on the season and has become the offensive sparkplug the Pirates desperately needed.
After a thrilling 2-1 victory on Saturday, the Pirates entered Sunday's 10:35 AM finale with a chance to sweep the division-rival Phillies. Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be. With Mitch Keller taking the mound looking to bounce back from a recent rough outing, the Bucs couldn't replicate the magic from the previous two games. While details from the finale are still rolling in, losing the rubber match is a tough pill to swallow, especially at home. It's a reminder of the consistency the team is still chasing.
The biggest story of the weekend, without a doubt, is Henry Davis. Stepping in for the injured Endy Rodríguez, Davis has been on an absolute tear. He followed up his Friday performance by launching his second home run in as many days on Saturday, a go-ahead solo shot in the seventh that proved to be the game-winner. This power surge is exactly what the middle of the order needed. With Rodríguez sidelined with right elbow discomfort, Davis has not only filled a hole but has become a central figure in the team's offensive attack, providing both clutch hitting and solid defense behind the plate.
Another major positive has been the lights-out performance of the bullpen. This unit has become the team's backbone in close contests. Look no further than Friday's comeback win, where Chase Shugart, Caleb Ferguson, and Dennis Santana combined for 5 1/3 scoreless innings to set the stage for the win. Closer David Bednar has been his reliable self, shutting the door when called upon. A dominant bullpen shortens the game and gives the offense a chance to win every night, a formula the Pirates are starting to perfect.
The buzz isn't just happening at the major league level. Top prospect Griffin is turning heads with his incredible athleticism and versatility, splitting time between shortstop and the outfield. A recent spectacular diving catch has ignited a debate within the organization: where does he play long-term? While his glove is making highlight reels, the development staff's primary focus remains on honing his offensive skills. In a system rich with pitching, a dynamic, multi-positional bat like Griffin's could be the final piece of the puzzle in a few years.
Losing the series finale always leaves a sour taste, but let's focus on the bigger picture. The Pirates went toe-to-toe with a tough Phillies team, uncovered a legitimate power threat in Henry Davis, and showcased a bullpen that can compete with anyone. As the team regroups for the next series, the key will be building on these positives. If Davis's bat stays hot and the bullpen arms remain fresh, this team will continue to surprise people and hang around in the hunt.
