PITTSBURGH — To reach a benchmark never done before in the Derek Shelton era, it was only fitting that a trio of first-year Pirates helped make the feat possible.
Trade acquisition Mark Mathias plated a pair with a two-run single in the second inning, then another when he reached base on an error by Cincinnati shortstop Jose Barrero. Carlos Santana doubled home Andrew McCutchen in the seventh and the sizzling-hot Connor Joe, who prompted the PNC Park crowd of over 17,000 to chant his last name his fourth time, successfully reached base every plate appearance.
Their efforts, combined with some strong starting pitching and relatively clean seventh, eighth and ninth innings from the Pirates’ bullpen allowed the home squad to win its fifth game in a row, 4-2. Prior to Friday night, Shelton’s group failed to string five consecutive wins together in his first three years as manager.
