Pirates Sail Past Tigers 4-1: Peguero's Power and Oviedo's Mastery

A Night for the Rookies

The Pittsburgh Pirates showcased their young talent in a 4-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday night. Rookie Liover Peguero’s two-run home run and Johan Oviedo’s seven strong innings were the highlights of the game.

Peguero’s Big Blast

Peguero’s two-run homer to the left-field bleachers in the second inning capped a three-run rally, giving the Pirates a 3-0 lead. This was Peguero’s third home run in just 10 games since being recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis. His patience at the plate and fluid swing have been key to his success.

Oviedo’s Commanding Performance

Johan Oviedo pitched seven impressive innings, allowing only one run on six hits, striking out five, and walking two. This marked his second consecutive win after losing eight straight decisions. His efficiency and command were praised by Pirates manager Derek Shelton.

Scoring Summary

2nd Inning: Endy Rodriguez tripled to open the scoring, and later scored on Peguero’s home run.
4th Inning: Alika Williams doubled in a run, extending the lead to 4-0.
9th Inning: Akil Baddoo’s RBI single for the Tigers brought the final score to 4-1.

Closing It Out

David Bednar, a native of Pittsburgh, took the mound in the ninth inning and retired the side in order, securing his 22nd save of the season. The successful close added to the Pirates’ recent winning streak, marking their fourth victory in the last five games. Bednar’s commitment to the team was evident, especially after he remained with the Pirates despite trade speculations.

Tigers’ Struggles

The Tigers faced challenges both on the mound and at the plate. Starting pitcher Matt Manning had a tough outing, surrendering four runs and eight hits over six innings of work. This performance extended his winless streak to four starts. Offensively, the Tigers were unable to find their rhythm, contributing to their sixth loss in the past seven games.

Trade Winds

Both teams were active in trades, with the Tigers sending Michael Lorenzen to Philadelphia and the Pirates trading Rich Hill and Ji-Man Choi to San Diego.