Bubba Chandler controlled the strike zone for six innings, and Pittsburgh's offense broke open a tight game late to defeat Tampa Bay 5-1 at PNC Park.
Chandler (1-1) allowed three hits and one run while striking out three over six innings, carrying a 3.15 ERA. The right-hander walked just one batter in 90 pitches, earning his first victory of the season.
The Pirates seized control in the sixth inning after Tampa Bay had tied the game. Oneil Cruz homered to right center, a 385-foot blast that scored Griffin and gave Pittsburgh a 3-1 lead. Brandon Lowe added insurance in the eighth, doubling to center to bring home Cook and Griffin for the final margin.
Nick Martinez (0-1) took the loss for Tampa Bay, allowing eight hits and two runs over 5.1 innings with a 2.45 ERA. Junior Caminero had tied the game in the sixth with a single to center that scored Simpson, but the Rays managed just five hits total.
Pittsburgh improved to 11-8 and snapped Tampa Bay's six-game winning streak. The Rays fell to 11-7. Martinez is two wins away from 50 career victories.