The surging Pirates, led by Spencer Horwitz, look to extend their win streak vs. the Diamondbacks on July 25. Can they keep the momentum going at PNC Park?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
For the first time in a while, there's a palpable buzz around the Pittsburgh Pirates. Riding a three-game winning streak after a thoroughly dominant sweep of the Detroit Tigers, the team returns to the friendly confines of PNC Park tonight with a swagger we haven't seen for much of this challenging season. The question on every fan's mind is simple: can they keep it rolling against the Arizona Diamondbacks?
Spencer Horwitz hit his first career grand slam as the Pirates outscored the Tigers 18-5 during their three-game sweep.
The recent series against the Tigers wasn't just a sweep; it was a statement. The Pirates excelled in every facet of the game. The exclamation point came in Wednesday's 6-1 finale, where rookie Spencer Horwitz blew the game open with his first-ever grand slam, a moment that had the dugout and social media buzzing. Veteran Andrew McCutchen added a homer of his own, and pitcher Bailey Falter was masterful, tying his career-high with eight strikeouts. From the mound to the plate to the basepaths, it was the kind of complete performance that shows what this team is capable of under interim manager Don Kelly.
Now, the challenge gets tougher as the 50-53 Arizona Diamondbacks come to town. The Pirates, sitting at 42-61, are slight underdogs but are playing their best baseball of the month. While probable starters haven't been announced, expect the core of the lineup to be a factor. Oneil Cruz (16 HR) brings the thunder, Bryan Reynolds (50 RBI) remains the run-producing anchor, and Andrew McCutchen (.255 AVG) continues to be a steady presence. Tonight's 6:40 PM first pitch will be a key test to see if the recent offensive outburst can be sustained against a more formidable opponent.
While the current win streak is exciting, the long-term vision remains the priority. This recent success is a positive sign for interim manager Don Kelly, who has guided the club since taking over for Derek Shelton back in May. The foundation for sustained success, however, is being built in the minor leagues. ESPN's latest rankings reaffirm the strength of the Pirates' farm system, especially its pitching depth, led by top prospect RHP Bubba Chandler. He's followed by supremely athletic shortstop Konnor Griffin, a versatile player who could see time all over the diamond. Wins today are great, but talent like that is what promises a brighter tomorrow.
Tonight is more than just one game in a 162-game season. It's a chance for the Pirates to prove that the sweep of the Tigers was the start of a new chapter, not just a brief high point. With renewed energy at the big-league level and a pipeline of talent on the way, there's a flicker of hope for Pirates fans. Let's see if they can turn that flicker into a flame this weekend. Raise it!
