Nick Gonzales’ 12th-inning RBI single sends Pirates past Padres 3-2

Nick Gonzales delivered a crucial RBI single in the 12th inning, helping the Pittsburgh Pirates secure a 3-2 victory over the San Diego Padres in a Monday night game. Esmerlyn Valdez drove in the only other run of the contest with a home run in the sixth inning, while Rafael Flores Jr. added an RBI double in the same frame. The Pirates, who had lost three straight games, ended their skid with this hard-fought win.

Jake Cronenworth tied the game for the Padres in the eighth inning with a two-out RBI single. This victory marked the Pirates' 11th win in their last 31 games. Jake Cronenworth's two-run single in the eighth inning halted the Padres' three-game winning streak, ending their eighth loss in 29 games. San Diego's eight-game home winning streak also came to an end, as they were unable to capitalize on a bases-loaded situation in the 11th inning, where Kirby Yates struck out Jackson Merrill and Xander Bogaerts.

Jake Cronenworth's RB in the eighth inning was the only run the Padres scored in the game. After the 12th inning, Yohan Ramirez struck out the side to secure the save for Pittsburgh. Braxton Ashcraft had a strong performance on the mound for the Pirates, pitching six innings of four-hit ball and allowing only three runs over his last three starts.

Robbie Ray had a solid start for the Padres, facing Jarred Triolo who scored on Gonzales' RBI single. Padres closer Mason Miller faced the hometown team on his 28th birthday and managed to avoid a ninth-inning jam. The Pirates will return to action with Paul Skaness (9-11, 3.95 ERA) making his return from a rough outing, while the Padres will rely on Michael King (8-9, 3.38 ERA) for his team-leading 27th start on Tuesday.