Three Takeaways: Pirates Finally Figure it Out Against Marlins

Third baseman Jared Triolo and center fielder Jake Mangum both played a big role in getting the offense going in the fifth inning, as Mangum hit a triple and scored on a balk, while Triolo hit a solo home run, his second of 2026.

Mangum then got hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to score a run and Mangum hit a two-run single to make it 5-0.

Catcher Rafael Flores Jr. finally showed off his power with two home runs late, his second and third in the major leagues, driving in six runs in the last two innings.

Second baseman Nick Gonzales and right fielder Esmerlyn Valdez both had two-hit games and shortstop Jacob Gonzalez hit a solo home run in the ninth inning.

It was a much-needed win for the Pirates, but one that they need to replicate, as their offense has been well-below-average following the All-Star break.

Braxton Ashcraft Sets Example for Pirates Rotation

The Pirates starting rotation hasn't lived up to expectations and was poor in the first two games vs. the Marlins.

Paul Skenes lasted just 65 pitches over five innings, giving up two runs, but a lot of hard contact in the series opener, while Carmen Mlodzinski allowed even more hard-hits and gave up four runs over 2.1 innings pitched.

Both games put the Pirates into a tough spot with the bullpen, but Braxton Ashcraft came through in a big way for the team.

Ashcraft threw the first complete game of his career, nine innings and just 85 pitches, while posting 10 strikeouts as well.

His only blemish came on a solo home run in the ninth inning to Marlins right fielder Owen Caissie, which prevented him from the complete game shutout, but it was still an incredible outing regardless.

Ashcraft was efficient throughout, inducing weak contact and getting three double plays, as the Marlins had little idea of what to do with him on the mound.

It was a big bounceback for Ashcraft, who not only posted the first complete game for the Pirates this season, but had posted a 7.88 ERA over his last five starts.

Ashcraft was the best pitcher the Pirates had pre-All-Star break and these are the kinds of performances he needs for the res

Too Little, Too Late From Pirates

The Pirates had a great ending to this series, but it was another disappointing showing overall from the team.

Pittsburgh has lost seven straight series and has gone 9-17 since the All-Star break, falling to 59-64, five games below .500.

The Pirates just haven't gotten the same play since winning two out of three games against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field, July 18-19, not maintaining consistency after getting big wins, throwing leads away or just playing poor baseball.

Injuries haven't helped either, as Endy Rodríguez, Oneil Cruz, Konnor Griffin, Ryan O'Hearn and Spencer Horwitz have missed extended time.

Making the playoffs was a big goal for the Pirates this season and they're in a really tough spot if they want to try and achieve that, as they are 5.5 games back and will likely have to go 27-12, just to be 86-76 at the end of the season.

It's not impossible for the Pirates to make the playoffs, but barring some incredible run, this season is essentially a lost one.