Pirates turn a second-inning burst into separation against the Tigers at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium

The Pittsburgh Pirates moved to 11-5 and the Detroit Tigers fell to 4-8 after a 5-3 decision at 1:05 PM EDT.

First inning

The Pirates opened with 1 hit but scored 0 runs in the top of the inning.

The Tigers were held scoreless after 0 hits in the bottom of the inning.

Second inning

The Pirates produced 3 runs on 3 hits in the top of the inning, creating the game’s first separation.

The Tigers answered with a scoreless bottom half on 0 hits.

Third inning

The Tigers scored 3 runs on 3 hits in the bottom of the inning to pull even on the line score.

Pirates starter Hunter Barco was charged with 3 earned runs and finished with a 9.00 earned run average and 1.33 walks plus hits per inning in his previous outing.

Sixth inning

The Pirates added 1 run on 2 hits in the top of the sixth, pushing the offense to 9 total hits on the day.

The Tigers went scoreless in the bottom of the sixth despite recording 1 hit.

Eighth inning

The Pirates tacked on 1 run on 2 hits in the top of the eighth while playing error-free defense across 36 total chances.

The Tigers did not score in the bottom of the eighth after 0 hits as the Pirates bullpen finished with a save in a 0.00 earned run average relief effort.

Ninth inning

The Tigers put 1 hit on the board in the bottom of the ninth but did not score as the Pirates closed out the game.

Pirates vs Tigers match summary reflected a Pirates lineup that posted a .265 batting average and a staff that limited the Tigers to 6 hits.

Pirates final whistle reaction centered on the Buccos getting a win with 4 walks drawn and 8 strikeouts recorded by the pitching staff.

Pirates vs Tigers full match report also matched a box score where Justin Lawrence carried a 0.00 earned run average from his prior appearance and the Tigers committed 1 error.

Pirates coach post-game reaction followed a day in which the Bucs left 7 runners on base and the Motor City Kitties finished with 3 runs on the third-inning push.

The Pirates next game is scheduled for 2026-03-08 at 1:05 PM EDT against the Boston Red Sox at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Florida, and the broadcast is on NESN.

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