More Offensive Struggles, 2 JJ Bleday Homers Doom Pirates in 2nd Straight Loss to A’s

OAKLAND — The Pittsburgh Pirates had more than double the hits and exactly double the runs Tuesday night compared to the night before. 

They still lost, 5-2, guaranteeing a series loss to the A’s in Oakland. 

The Pirates drew first blood right away, taking a 1-0 lead on a Connor Joe home run in the first inning. Joe finished the game with a pair of hits.

Oakland answered in the second, tying the game when a single by Abraham Toro scored Shea Langeliers. 

The A’s (14-17) took the lead later in the inning when Tyler Nevin singled him Toro to give Oakland the lead. The Pirates (14-17) made it 2-2 when Jared Triolo came home on a Ke’Bryan Hayes sac fly.

Alex Wood left the game after four innings. The A’s starter allowed two runs on four hits, walking four and striking out four. 

Oakland re-took the lead in the bottom of the fifth on a solo shot by JJ Bleday.

Mitch Keller’s (2-3) night ended after five innings, the 38th-consecutive time he’s gone at least five innings. He allowed three runs on five hits, walking two, striking out seven and giving up a homer. 

In the seventh, Bleday’s second homer- a two-run shot off of Josh Fleming– made it 5-2. Oakland had no trouble closing out the Bucs from there. 

Mitch Spence (3-1) got the win for Oakland, pitching three shutout innings in relief of Wood. Bethel Park native Mason Miller closed the door against his hometown team, pitching a 1-2-3 ninth for his eighth save of the season. 

Oakland retired the final 15 Pirates’ batters.

The Pirates will look to salvage something from this series in Wednesday’s finale. Quinn Priester (0-1, 3.48 ERA) is scheduled to take the bump against veteran Ross Stripling Ross Stripling (0-5, 4.98 ERA). First pitch is set for 3:37 ET.