Pirates 4 – Diamondbacks 3

Win: Tony Watson (4-1)
Loss: Archie Bradley (1-1)

Leading off the bottom of the 9th, Andrew McCutchen hit his 6th career walk-off home run to deliver a 4-3 Pirates (24-28) win over the Arizona Diamondbacks (31-22).


(via @Pirates)

A nice moment for McCutchen and the team after having Gregory Polanco carted off with an injury and Chris Stewart also getting injured with a calf injury. Polanco got his right ankle caught awkwardly in the railing separating the stands and will surely miss at least a couple games.

Pirates starter Trevor Williams pitched six strong innings, allowing 4 hits and 1 run to receive a no decision.

The walk-off winner from McCutchen saved the Pirates from potentially blowing the game late.

Two things played out late in the game that need to end.

John Jaso replacing Josh Bell as a defensive replacement is becoming pointless and Tony Watson continues to prove he can’t handle the closers role.

Watson got the win but squandered a 3-1 lead in the ninth and blew his third save in 13 opportunities.

The time is now to make the transition to Felipe Rivero as the closer.

The Pirates won’t be fooling anyone in baseball thinking that keeping Watson in the closers role makes his value higher. Most clubs see him as an 8th inning reliever no matter what.