In a night of unexpected Pirates Triumph, the Pittsburgh Pirates stunned the baseball world by defeating the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers 9-7 at PNC Park on September 2, 2025. The victory not only showcased the Pirates’ resilience but also spoiled a milestone evening for Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani, who hit his 100th home run with Los Angeles. Despite Ohtani’s individual brilliance, Pittsburgh’s timely hitting and gritty pitching secured a memorable win against a dominant Dodgers squad, as reported by Fox News and Yahoo Sports.
Pirates Stun Dodgers in Upset Victory
The Pittsburgh Pirates, with an overall record of 61-77, delivered a performance that defied expectations. Facing the NL West-leading Dodgers (78-59), the Pirates demonstrated their ability to compete with top-tier teams, tying the season series at 2-2. The game was a rollercoaster, filled with offensive bursts and tense moments, ultimately culminating in a significant win for the home team.
Early Offense Sets the Tone
Pittsburgh wasted no time in asserting their dominance, jumping out to an early 4-0 lead in the first inning against Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw. According to TribLive, this early offensive surge put the Dodgers on their heels and forced Kershaw to battle back from an immediate deficit. While Kershaw eventually settled down, the Pirates’ offense continued to apply pressure throughout the game.
Key Contributions from Pirates’ Bats
Several Pirates players delivered crucial hits that contributed to the victory. Tommy Pham and Jared Triolo each drove in two runs, providing the offensive firepower needed to keep pace with the Dodgers. Henry Davis delivered a pivotal RBI single in the sixth inning, regaining the lead for Pittsburgh. Triolo’s two-run double in the same inning extended the advantage, further solidifying the Pirates’ position, according to TSN.ca.
Triolo’s impact extended beyond his RBI double. He later scored an insurance run in the eighth inning after drawing a walk and stealing second base, increasing the Pirates’ lead to 9-6 heading into the final frame. His all-around performance was a key factor in the Pirates’ success.
Chandler and Santana Secure the Win
On the pitching side, top prospect Bubba Chandler (2-0) earned the win in relief, pitching four innings and allowing three runs on six hits. While Chandler’s performance wasn’t flawless, he provided stability in the middle innings, preventing the Dodgers from mounting a significant comeback. Dennis Santana closed out the game for his 12th save, despite allowing a leadoff double to Shohei Ohtani in the ninth. Santana’s ability to shut down the Dodgers’ offense in the final inning preserved the Pirates’ victory.
Dodgers’ Struggles Contribute to Loss
While the Pirates’ strong performance was a major factor in the outcome, the Dodgers’ struggles also played a significant role. The loss highlighted vulnerabilities in their bullpen and an uncharacteristically rough start from Clayton Kershaw. These issues allowed the Pirates to capitalize and secure the upset victory.
Kershaw’s Early Struggles
Clayton Kershaw, typically a reliable presence on the mound for the Dodgers, struggled in the first inning, allowing four runs. This early deficit put the Dodgers in a difficult position, forcing them to play catch-up for the remainder of the game. While Kershaw managed to settle down after the first, the damage had already been done, according to game reports from Yahoo Sports.
Bullpen Inconsistencies
The Dodgers’ bullpen, often a strength, also faltered in the game against the Pirates. Relievers were unable to consistently shut down the Pirates’ offense, allowing them to chip away and maintain their lead. These inconsistencies in the bullpen contributed to the Dodgers’ inability to mount a comeback.
Impact and Implications
The Pirates’ upset victory has significant implications for both teams. For the Dodgers, the loss serves as a reminder of the challenges of maintaining consistency throughout a long season. It also highlights the need to address vulnerabilities in their pitching staff, particularly in the bullpen. For the Pirates, the win provides a boost in morale and demonstrates their ability to compete with top-tier teams. It also showcases the potential of their young players, such as Bubba Chandler and Jared Triolo, who played key roles in the victory.
Pirates’ Recent Surge
The victory against the Dodgers is part of a larger trend for the Pirates, who have been playing well recently. According to Fox News, their record has improved to 7-3 in their last 10 games, indicating a positive trajectory for the team. This recent surge suggests that the Pirates are beginning to find their rhythm and are capable of competing at a higher level.
Ohtani’s Historic Night Marred by Loss
Despite Shohei Ohtani’s historic achievement of hitting his 100th home run with the Dodgers, the night was ultimately overshadowed by the team’s loss. Ohtani’s individual brilliance, including a pair of doubles, was not enough to overcome the Pirates’ strong performance. This serves as a reminder that even the most talented players cannot single-handedly carry a team to victory.
In conclusion, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 9-7 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers was a significant upset, highlighting the Pirates’ recent strong form and the Dodgers’ vulnerabilities. Key contributions from players like Tommy Pham, Jared Triolo, and Bubba Chandler, combined with Dodgers’ pitching struggles, led to a memorable win for Pittsburgh. The victory underscores the unpredictable nature of baseball and the importance of consistent performance across all aspects of the game.
