Pirates top Giants 3-1 on July 30, 2025, for their 4th straight win. Oneil Cruz homered and Mike Burrows starred as the team stood pat at the trade deadline.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when you think you know what this Pirates team is, they pull you back in. Pittsburgh rattled off its fourth consecutive victory Wednesday night, dispatching the San Francisco Giants 3-1 in a crisp, confident performance at Oracle Park. It’s a surge of momentum that feels different, fueled by key hits, shutdown pitching, and a belief that this current roster has what it takes.
We're playing with confidence right now, and everyone is contributing.
The formula for success in San Francisco was simple and effective. Starter Mike Burrows was masterful, navigating the Giants' lineup for 6.2 innings while allowing just a single run on five hits and striking out seven. The offense provided just enough punch, with Oneil Cruz launching his 18th home run of the season to get things started. The decisive blow came from Bryan Reynolds, who delivered a clutch two-run double, pushing his RBI total to 53. From there, it was lockdown time, with David Bednar entering in the ninth to secure his 21st save and seal the victory.
While the players were executing on the field, the front office was quiet. The trade deadline passed without a single move from the Pirates. This inaction speaks volumes, signaling a vote of confidence in the current group. Rather than chasing outside help, management is betting that the chemistry and performance we've seen during this win streak are sustainable. It's a gamble that puts the pressure squarely on the shoulders of the men in the clubhouse to prove them right through the final two months of the season.
Even without any trade acquisitions, the organization's future remains a major storyline. The farm system is brimming with talent, headlined by the new No. 1 overall prospect in all of baseball, 19-year-old Konnor Griffin. He's not alone, as pitchers like Bubba Chandler continue to develop and impress at the upper levels of the minors. This incredible depth provides a safety net and a promise of sustained success, reminding fans that even as the big-league club finds its groove, the next wave is on its way.
With the trade deadline in the rearview mirror, the mission is clear for Don Kelly's squad: keep this momentum rolling. This four-game win streak isn't just a nice run; it's a statement. The Pirates are proving they can win with the players they have right now. As they look to complete the sweep against the Giants, the focus shifts from 'what if' to 'what's next' for a team that is suddenly one of the hottest in the league.
