Pittsburgh Pirates News & Notes 05/16/2026

The Pirates hold a 24-21 record following a highly contested 11-9 loss in 10 innings to the Phillies. Surrendering a late five-run lead at PNC Park marks the fourth time this season. Pittsburgh has lost when leading after six innings.

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MLB Game Recap

Despite a six-run third inning, the bullpen failed to close the door. Home runs from Marcell Ozuna and Brandon Lowe couldn’t secure the lead. Starter Braxton Ashcraft delivered a solid performance (6.2 IP, 4 ER, 7 H, 5 K, 100 pitches), but closer Gregory Soto allowed three runs in the ninth to tie the score. The Phillies capitalized in the 10th with three runs against Dennis Santana, securing the comeback victory.

Standout Performer

Second baseman Brandon Lowe finished 2-for-5 with two runs, three RBIs, and two home runs. Lowe sparked the offense with a two-run blast in the third. He followed with a solo shot in the fifth to briefly regain the lead. His power display kept the Pirates competitive, even as the pitching struggled to hold back Philadelphia’s late-game surge.

Key News & Notes

Farm Report

• Triple-A: Davis Wendzel (3-4, HR, 3B, 2B, 5 RBI, R) led the Indianapolis Indians to an 11-5 win. He fell just one single short of the cycle in a dominant offensive performance.
• Double-A: Lonnie White Jr. (3-5, HR, 4 RBI, R) anchored Altoona’s 8-3 victory over Harrisburg. His three-run blast fueled a decisive six-run sixth inning.
• High-A: Seth Hernandez (5.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 4 BB, 7 K) aced his Greensboro debut in a 3-0 win. The top pitching prospect dominated Jersey Shore with five hitless frames.
• Single-A: Murf Gray (3-5, 2B, R) recorded three hits in the Bradenton Marauders’ 4-3 loss to Fort Myers. Despite outhitting the Mussels 10-7, Bradenton struggled with runners in scoring position.
• Rookie: Hyun Seung Lee (3-4, 2B, 6 RBI, 4 R) headlined a historic 28-1 FCL Pirates blowout against the Orioles. The offense racked up 18 hits and feasted on seven Baltimore errors.

Looking Ahead