Pirates stun Giants 5-4 on Aug 5, 2025, as Isiah Kiner-Falefa's walk-off fielder's choice caps a thrilling comeback sparked by Jack Suwinski's homer.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when you think you've seen it all this season, PNC Park delivered a jolt of late-night magic. Isiah Kiner-Falefa, the steady veteran, played the hero on Monday night, grounding into a fielder's choice that was just enough to bring a hustling Jack Suwinski home, sealing a dramatic 5-4 walk-off win against the San Francisco Giants. It was a chaotic, scrappy, and ultimately beautiful finish to a game that reminded everyone why you never leave early.
It wasn't a clean hit, but a win's a win. Isiah Kiner-Falefa delivered the walk-off fielder’s choice in the bottom of the ninth to score Jack Suwinski and send the PNC Park crowd home happy.
The victory wouldn't have been possible without the late-game fireworks. The Bucs were trailing until the seventh, when Jack Suwinski launched a crucial two-run homer to slash the Giants' lead. The comeback looked to be in jeopardy, but the bottom of the ninth was pure theater. Joey Bart, another key piece in this lineup, came through with an RBI single to tie the game at 4-4, setting the stage for Kiner-Falefa's game-winning grounder. Spencer Horwitz also contributed with a solid two-hit night, and Dauri Moreta snagged the win with a clean top of the ninth. It was a total team effort that pushed the Pirates to 49-64 on the season.
While the offense provided the late drama, the biggest story heading into the game was the return of Johan Oviedo. Making his first MLB appearance since September 2023 after Tommy John surgery, the big righty's return was a massive milestone. The results were bumpy—a 42-pitch first inning that saw him allow two runs on two hits and three walks—but the outcome was secondary. Simply seeing Oviedo back on a big-league mound is a huge win for the Pirates' future pitching plans. In contrast, veteran Justin Verlander provided a stabilizing presence, giving up just one run over five solid innings, bridging the gap to the bullpen.
The good news wasn't just confined to Pittsburgh. Down on the farm, the organization made a significant move, promoting shortstop Sammy Stafura to High-A Greensboro. Acquired in the recent Ke'Bryan Hayes trade with the Reds, Stafura has been electric, hitting .261 with 33 extra-base hits and 28 steals. The Pirates' No. 7 prospect made an immediate impact after the trade, hitting a double and a triple in his first doubleheader for Bradenton. He now joins a stacked Greensboro roster featuring fellow top prospects like Konnor Griffin and Jeter Martinez, creating a must-watch lineup for fans tracking the next wave of talent.
With the win, the Pirates continue to play competitive baseball under manager Don Kelly, who has helmed the team since taking over from Derek Shelton back in May. While the 49-64 record isn't where fans want it to be, the team's fight in games like Monday's comeback shows a resilience that was missing earlier in the year. With no new transactions reported, the focus remains on developing the current roster and integrating key pieces like Oviedo back into the fold.
Last night was a perfect snapshot of the 2025 Pirates: a mix of veteran grit, flashes of power, a major piece returning from injury, and a constant eye on the future. While the season has been a grind, moments like IKF's walk-off provide a much-needed spark. As Oviedo gets his legs back under him and the talent in Greensboro continues to rise, there are legitimate reasons for optimism. For now, let's enjoy a hard-fought win and see if the Bucs can take the series against the Giants.
