The game was decided in the second inning. Pittsburgh erupted for six runs to build a commanding lead, then survived a furious Minnesota comeback to win 10-9 at PNC Park on Friday night.
Jake Mangum led the offensive charge, going 3-for-4 with a home run and 2 RBI. The outfielder homered in the second inning and added an RBI single in the fifth. Oneil Cruz provided the knockout punch with a three-run homer in the second, finishing 1-for-4 with 3 RBI. Spencer Horwitz opened the scoring with a solo shot in the first and added another hit, going 2-for-5 with an RBI.
The second inning belonged entirely to Pittsburgh. After Mangum's homer made it 2-1, Nick Gonzales singled home two runs to extend the lead to 4-1. Cruz then launched his three-run blast to center field, capping the six-run frame and giving the Pirates a 7-1 advantage.
Bailey Ober absorbed the loss for Minnesota, allowing 8 runs (7 earned) over 4.2 innings. The right-hander surrendered 12 hits and struck out 3. Yohan Ramirez earned the win in relief for Pittsburgh, tossing a scoreless inning. Gregory Soto recorded his seventh save despite allowing 2 runs in the eighth and ninth innings combined.
Pittsburgh improved to 30-28 and snapped a losing streak. Minnesota fell to 27-31, extending their losing streak to three games. Josh Bell remains 2 home runs away from 200 career homers after going 1-for-5 with a double and 3 RBI.