MIAMI — Jared Triolo's RBI single in the 12th inning completes the Pittsburgh Pirates' comeback, leading to a 6-5 victory over the Miami Marlins on the opening day on Thursday.
Triolo's single, hit against Marlins reliever Declan Cronin (0-1), brings automatic runner Ke'Bryan Hayes home. Pirates reliever Jose Hernandez secures the first save of his career by retiring 2023 NL batting champion Luis Arraez, Josh Bell and Bryan De La Cruz in the only inning of relief.
After Pirates starter Mitch Keller allows seven hits, five runs (four earned), walks two and strikes out three over 5 2/3 innings, Pittsburgh's bullpen restrains the Marlins to just one hit.
Luis Ortiz (1-0) delivers crucial scoreless innings in the 10th and 11th, inducing the Marlins to ground into double plays twice, setting the stage for Hernandez.
“When I left the game, we were down 5-2. I thought, ‘If we can just make a comeback,'” Keller said. “I was confident that our bullpen would secure the win, and they certainly did.”
Marlins starter Jesús Luzardo gives up two hits and two runs, walks two and strikes out eight — one shy of the club record of nine opening-day strikeouts set by Josh Beckett in 2004 and Jose Fernandez in 2014.
Left fielder Bryan Reynolds hits a two-run homer off Luzardo, briefly tying the game in the third. However, Pittsburgh's hitters struggle against the left-hander, racking up 18 whiffs as Miami takes a 5-2 lead.
“We elevated his pitch count,” said Pirates manager Derek Shelton. “We forced him to throw many pitches. I was pleased with our determination during at-bats. In a 12-inning game, you don't see at-bats being given away, especially on opening day. And tonight, we didn't surrender a single at-bat.”
The Marlins are dealing with injuries to several starting pitchers, prompting manager Skip Schumaker to remove Luzardo after five innings and 85 pitches, despite his excellent start.
“Of course, I wanted to continue pitching,” Luzardo said, “but it's early in the season, so I understand. (Schumaker) explained the situation to me. I definitely felt ready to continue.”
Pinch-hitter Eddie Olivares and shortstop Oneil Cruz hit solo home runs off Miami relievers Andrew Nardi and Sixto Sánchez, and Michael A. Taylor scores against reliever Anthony Bender, tying the game 5-5 in the eighth.
Bell singles twice, and Jake Burger collects three hits for the Marlins, who have now lost six consecutive opening-day games played at home since 2014.
Former AL batting champion Tim Anderson, who signed a one-year deal with Miami in the offseason, hits an RBI double in his first at-bat as a Marlin. Arraez goes 0 for 6.
Brazilian soccer star Neymar throws the ceremonial first pitch.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Pirates: RHP Carmen Mlodzinski (right elbow inflammation) and Colin Holderman (illness) were placed on the 15-day IL, retroactive to Monday. C Yasmani Grandal (left foot plantar fasciitis) went on 10-day IL, retroactive to Monday.
Marlins: 3B Jonah Bride was recalled from Triple-A Jacksonville, filling the roster spot opened up in the trade that sent Jon Berti to the Yankees. … LHP Braxton Garrett (left shoulder impingement) went on 15-day IL, along with RHP JT Chargois (neck spasms), Eury Pérez (right elbow inflammation), and Edward Cabrera (right shoulder impingement), all retroactive to Monday.
UP NEXT
Left-handed pitcher Martín Pérez is scheduled to begin for the Pirates on Friday against left-handed pitcher A.J. Puk, who will have his first ever MLB start.
