Pirates edge Giants 13-12 in dramatic PNC Park finale

A Decisive Late-Inning Play

The Pittsburgh Pirates secured a 13-12 victory over the San Francisco Giants at PNC Park on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. The win improved Pittsburgh's record to 68-71, while San Francisco fell to 57-82. The game featured intense back-and-forth scoring, culminating in a critical defensive lapse in the ninth inning.

With the score tied at 12-12, Giants' Flores Jr. reached first base safely on a throwing error by third baseman Basabe, allowing Lowe to score and give the home team the final run.

Early Momentum and Home Run Power

The Giants took an early lead in the first inning, with singles by Gonzales and Cruz driving in runs to make it 0-2. The Pirates answered in the second inning, tying the game at 2-2 before Xander Bogaerts' three-run home run to center field extended their lead to 5-2.

San Francisco responded immediately in the third inning, mounting a four-run rally to take a 9-5 lead. Cruz, Gonzalez, and Triolo all contributed to the Giants' offensive surge, with Davis and Horwitz also driving in runs to complete the inning's damage.

Pitching and Relief

Logan Webb started for San Francisco, pitching two innings while allowing nine hits and nine earned runs. The Pirates' Paul Skenes opened the game, logging 4.2 innings while surrendering eight hits and five earned runs. The relief corps for both teams struggled to contain the offense, with multiple pitchers entering the game.

For the Giants, Braxton Roxby, Cesar Perdomo, Trent Harris, and Carson Seymour all took the mound, with Seymour taking the loss. On the Pittsburgh side, Yohan Ramirez, Gregory Soto, Camilo Doval, Evan Sisk, and Luke Weaver all pitched before Mason Montgomery closed out the game.

Montgomery recorded the save, pitching one inning without allowing earned runs, while Luke Weaver was charged with the blown save after allowing two earned runs in 0.2 innings.

Final Moments

The game remained tight through the eighth inning, with the Pirates tying it at 12-12 on a double by Cavanaugh and a single by Furman. The decisive moment arrived in the bottom of the ninth when the Giants' defensive error allowed the winning run to cross the plate.

The final score stood at 13-12 in favor of the Pirates, with an attendance of 11,814 at PNC Park.

Sources

https://www.espn.com/mlb/game/_/gameId/401816762