Bubba Chandler Struggles as Pirates Lose Series to Rangers

Chandler left a 98 mph four-seam fastball over the plate and Carter sent it all the way out to the right field wall, which Pirates right fielder Ryan O'Hearn couldn't get to and then Carter got in just ahead of the throw to the plate.

The fourth inning went even worse for Chandler, as he walked the first two batters, gave up an RBI-single to designated hitter Joc Pederson and then a three-run home run to Corey Seager, with a changeup left in the middle-inside part of the plate, making it an easy swing for the Rangers shortstop.

Chandler had issues with his four-seam fastball and changeup, as he allowed a combined seven hard hits on both pitches and he had just five whiffs on 35 swings against the Rangers.

This marked the second most runs Chandler has given up in an outing at the major league level, wias he gave up nine earned runs over 2.2 innings in his first MLB start vs. the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park on Sept. 7, 2025.

Pittsburgh relied on his bullpen after this, with left-handed pitcher Evan Sisk throwing two scoreless innings and right-handed pitchers in Justin Lawrence and Yohan Ramírez each throwing a scoreless frame themselves.

Pirates Offense Provides Little Against De Grom, Rangers

The Pirates went up against one of the better pitchers in baseball in Rangers right-handed starter Jacob DeGrom and they had no answer for him in this outing.

DeGrom posted 10 strikeouts over 5.2 innings and only allowed five hits, one walk and an earned run in his win over the Pirates.

The only mistake he had came against Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz in the top of the fifth inning, as he left a curveball over the plate that Cruz sent 107.5 mph off the bat and 415 feet to center field for a solo home run, the only run the Pirates scored all game.

Cruz made it back-to-back games with home runs, including the three-run shot in the 8-4 win over the Rangers a day prior and now has eight home runs on the season, giving him the team-lead.

The Pirates had one other chance to really make a comeback in the top of the sixth inning, as they loaded the bases with two outs.

Shortstop Konnor Griffin hit a ball down the third base line, but Rangers third baseman Josh Jung made a diving stop and just threw him out at first base to keep the Pirates from trimming the deficit.