Andrew McCutchen delivered a pivotal three-run home run and the Pittsburgh Pirates tallied 18 hits for the first time in two years as they defeated the Los Angeles Angels 9-3 on Tuesday night at Angel Stadium. The win halted Pittsburgh’s three-game losing streak and opened their three-game series in commanding fashion.
McCutchen’s three-run blast came in the third inning, marking his 321st career home run and propelling the Pirates to a 5-1 lead that they would not relinquish. With the homer, McCutchen also notched his 237th career long ball in a Pirates uniform, placing him just three behind Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente for third on the franchise’s all-time list. Willie Stargell leads the Pirates with 475, followed by Ralph Kiner’s 301.
Pittsburgh’s offensive performance was highlighted by 18 total hits, the most by the team in a single game since April 19, 2023, when they achieved the same total against the Colorado Rockies. Bryan Reynolds and Isiah Kiner-Falefa each contributed three hits and two RBIs, helping drive the scoring for a Pirates team that entered the game with a 8-15 record.
The Pirates scored with RBI singles from Joey Bart and Ke’Bryan Hayes in the top of the third inning. After Taylor Ward responded with a solo home run for the Angels in the bottom half of the frame—his sixth of the season—McCutchen’s three-run shot off Los Angeles starter José Soriano extended the lead to 5-1.
Soriano, who had surrendered a career-high 10 hits in his previous start against Texas, allowed five runs and eight hits over 3 1/3 innings. He took the loss, dropping to 2-3 on the season.
Pittsburgh starter Bailey Falter exited the game after four innings due to lower back tightness. He allowed one run and five hits. Chase Shugart earned his first career win, tossing two hitless innings with three strikeouts in relief.
The Angels, who have lost six of their last eight games, fell to an even 11-11 on the season. They managed just seven hits and were unable to capitalize on multiple scoring opportunities. Jo Adell drove in one of the Angels’ three runs with an RBI double.
Pittsburgh added to its lead in the middle innings. Reynolds drove in two more runs with a double and single, while Kiner-Falefa contributed RBIs in the fourth and sixth innings.
Taylor Ward’s home run and Adell’s RBI were among the few offensive highlights for Los Angeles, which continues to search for consistency at the plate. The Angels used five pitchers, including reliever Matt Moore, who pitched a scoreless inning.
Pittsburgh will send left-hander Andrew Heaney (1-1, 2.13 ERA) to the mound on Wednesday against his former team. The Angels will counter with right-hander Jack Kochanowicz (1-2, 6.20 ERA) as the series continues in Anaheim.