Pittsburgh Review

PITTSBURGH -- Kyle Nicolas knew he had to stay locked in and calm. His day wasn’t done yet, and he had to throw another inning. But as Bryan Reynolds sent that Slade Cecconi fastball a Statcast-projected 405 feet into the Pittsburgh night, he wanted to react like the fans at PNC Park.

“Hearing the crowd go crazy like that, such a big spot in the game, it was awesome,” Nicolas said. “He's come through for us in so many ways this year. Can't really say I'm surprised, but it was fun."

Rain had forced starter Mitch Keller out after four innings, so someone needed to step up on offense. Joey Bart got the day started with a home run, but it was Reynolds’ two-run shot in the sixth that won it, leading to a 4-2 Pirates win over the Diamondbacks.

It’s the type of swing the Pirates needed in a pivotal moment in a game that could have playoff implications. And if they’re in a spot like that, they want Reynolds up there.

“I mean, he's our best player,” manager Derek Shelton said. “And he exemplifies that every night the way he plays. When he gets hot, he can carry us for bits. And I think the important thing is having those big moments and being able to stay in control."

Saturday was hardly the first time Reynolds has come through in a clutch spot this season. Over the past two months, Reynolds has hit 11 of his 19 home runs. Six of those homers broke a tie, while another two erased a deficit and tied the game. On the season, the Pirates are 12-6 when he homers.

“He doesn't let the at-bat get too big, and I think we saw it there,” Shelton said. “I mean, he worked the at-bat to 3-2, got the pitch he could drive.”

“Nothing gets too big for him,” Keller said. “He’s just a solid hitter. We’ve all seen that over the years. He’s just a special player, and we can always count on him to do something special for us.”

And on a night like Saturday, the Pirates needed that boost. After failing to complete a big comeback Friday, they couldn’t maximize Keller’s outing due to a 68-minute rain delay. He looked sharp initially; however as rain persisted longer than anticipated it became clear Shelton would have to go to bullpen.

“Right as they pulled it [the tarp], I looked at clock and knew what time it was,” Keller said.“I was just hoping for updates and whatever you get.There’s nothing you can do about it so you try hang there stay focused.”

Dennis Santana took ball fifth promptly loaded bases before Shelton went newcomer Jalen Beeks.The veteran lefty inheriting worst situation possible reliever -- bases loaded,nobody out top order up -- managed escape minimal damage allowing RBI walk Joc Pederson with two outs.

“That was probably main reason we won tonight” Nicolas said.“He deserves lot credit there.That not easy spot be put.He made best of it."

Nicolas then went two scoreless frames following Beeks.Reynolds played hero David Bednar locked down his 20th save preventing three-game losing streak which would have been big blow Pirates’ playoff odds.

That’s what they’ve been striving towards all season: Getting back into October.There were many Saturdays August during rebuilding years where Keller Reynolds played front much smaller crowds than 35 515 who were there Saturday.A game like this taste what they were building towards.

“They’re front us Wild Card” Keller said D-backs.“Every game matters.This type game we want playing every single night.Every single game matters.Every team we play matters.It lot more fun than other version that.”