Pirates fall to Rangers 2-1 on June 20, 2025, as a pitching gem is wasted. Bryan Reynolds & Ke'Bryan Hayes struggle as the offense's June slump continues.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
If you're a Pirates fan, Friday night's 2-1 loss to the Texas Rangers felt painfully familiar. It was a classic case of what-if, a game defined by dominant pitching that was ultimately undone by a lineup that simply couldn't get the big hit. Despite a valiant effort on the mound, the Bucs' offense continued its June swoon, leaving fans at PNC Park wondering where the runs have gone.
The Pirates managed just one run, leaving multiple runners stranded and failing to produce a single extra-base hit.
The game itself was a masterclass in pitching from both sides, but the Rangers struck just enough to secure the win. They plated their two runs early, and from there, it was a frustrating grind for the Pirates' offense. Key hitters like Bryan Reynolds and Ke'Bryan Hayes were neutralized in crucial situations, unable to provide the spark needed to mount a comeback. It's a recurring nightmare for a team that saw its pitching staff do everything necessary to win, only to be let down by a lack of run support.
This isn't a one-night problem; it's a trend. The offensive woes have plagued the Pirates throughout June, turning winnable games into narrow defeats. The team's inability to capitalize with runners in scoring position has reached a boiling point. With the roster remaining stable and no major injuries to blame, the pressure is mounting on the current lineup to find a way to produce. The consistent failure to string together hits and drive in runs is testing the patience of a fanbase desperate for signs of progress.
While the major league club struggles to score, there's a different story brewing in the minors. The farm system continues to be a point of pride, led by an abundance of pitching talent in Bubba Chandler, Braxton Ashcraft, and others. The real buzz, however, surrounds multi-talented prospect Konnor Griffin, whose athleticism is turning heads. But there's a catch. The system is light on upper-level, impact hitters ready to help the big-league club now. The fact that no Top 30 prospect has graduated to Pittsburgh yet in 2025 highlights the gap between future hope and present need.
It's another tough pill to swallow for the black and gold. The formula of solid pitching and anemic hitting is becoming all too familiar. The Pirates will look to even the series against the Rangers tomorrow, but the question on every fan's mind is the same: when will these bats wake up? Until they do, wins will be hard to come by, no matter how well the arms perform.
