Pirates Win 6-5 Over Giants on McCutchen Homer, Prospect Whisenhunt Debuts

Andrew McCutchen hit a pivotal two-run home run in the seventh inning to break a 4-4 tie and lead the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 6-5 victory over the San Francisco Giants, marking the Pirates' third consecutive win. Nick Gonzales also contributed with a solo home run, while the Pirates' bullpen, including Genesis Cabrera, Yohan Ramirez, Isaac Mattson, Dennis Santana, and David Bednar, combined to limit the Giants to just two runs over seven innings. Mitch Keller, who may be nearing a trade, struggled in his potentially final start for the Pirates, lasting only two innings and allowing three runs. Giants rookie Carson Whisenhunt made his major league debut, pitching five innings and allowing four runs but earning a no-decision. McCutchen’s homer was his 10th of the season and 329th career home run, moving him up the all-time list, and Bednar secured his 17th save despite allowing a late rally by the Giants. The Giants closed the gap in the ninth inning but failed to score the tying run, leaving the Pirates with a hard-fought road win.