Eighth Inning Rally Gives Pirates Victory in Final Game of 2023 (76-86)

10/1/23- By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on Twitter

Last game of the season and both teams were ready for the season to be over – though, arguably, for different reasons as the Bucs head into an October spent on the couch while the Marlins look forward to just the franchise’s fourth postseason appearance.

Andre Jackson started for the Bucs and had likely his strongest appearance of the season, working 4 scoreless innings of 1-hit ball, allowing 1 walk while striking out 2 batters. Osvaldo Bido followed him, retiring 6 of 7 batters faced, striking out 2 and allowing a single hit. Kyle Nicolas pitched a scoreless 7th, striking out 2 and allowing just 1 hit. Dauri Moreta took the 8th and struck out the side.

On the other end, Marlins starter Ryan Weathers – making just his second start for Miami following a mid-season trade from San Diego – shut down the Bucs bats for 6 innings, allowing just 2 hits and 2 walks while striking out 5. Huascar Brazoban struck out the side in the 7th, allowing a 2-out double to Nick Gonzales before Bryan Hoeing took over in the 8th.

Hoeing led off striking out Jason delay before Connor Joe slugged a double to left and Jared Triolo walked, setting the stage for Miguel Andujar and Jack Suwinski..

Miggy! pic.twitter.com/ADjDubEdZE

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) October 1, 2023

And Jack adds two more! pic.twitter.com/HHSDWUu3uR

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) October 1, 2023

David Bednar took over in the 9th, pitching a 1-2-3 inning, securing his 39th save to raise the Jolly Roger one last time this year.

#RaiseIt 🏴‍☠️ pic.twitter.com/Cd4oCSJLKR

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) October 1, 2023

News & Notes

• Former Pirates pitcher, 2-time World Series winner and 2010 Roberto Clemente Award winner, Tim Wakefield, passed away this morning at the age of 57 due to complications from brain cancer.

We are saddened by the loss of Tim Wakefield.

Tim began his Major League career with the Pirates and was a part of our baseball family for six years. He made his debut in 1992 and was a key addition to the pitching staff that helped propel the team to its third consecutive… pic.twitter.com/171nTWEyhC

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) October 1, 2023

• Bryan Reynolds and Ke’Bryan Hayes were both left out of the lineup for the final game of the season. Shelton advised before the game that he wanted them to have the day-off to “enjoy the day” heading to the off-season.

Pirates' 2023 attendance: 1,630,624 over 81 dates. Average of 20,131.

Last year, for context: 1,257,458. Average of 15,524.

— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) October 1, 2023

• Liover Peguero tripled with 2 outs in the 2nd inning, which was the first triple of his MLB career.
• Connor Joe tied the team lead for doubles this season with his 31st this year (tied with Reynolds and Hayes).
• Bednar’s save ties him for the NL lead with Camillo Doval of the San Francisco Giants.
• Heading into the off-season, Pirates have a number of decisions to make and will have much higher expectations going into 2024. And we’ll be here covering each and every game along the way, starting against these same Miami Marlins on the road on March 28th. See you next spring! Let’s Go Bucs!