Full Breakdown
Pirates' Early Onslaught Propels 9-3 Victory Over White Sox
9/9/2026, 12:32:18 PM
Game Overview
The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Chicago White Sox 9-3 in the series opener at Rate Field. Rookie right-hander Bubba Chandler delivered a quality start of six innings, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out eight and walking none. Pittsburgh’s offense erupted for 18 hits, including five doubles in the first inning, to build a 9-0 lead before Chicago scored its three runs later in the game.
Background & Context
The Pirates entered the matchup at 72-73 after scoring only three runs in each of their previous five games. The White Sox, leading the AL Central at 75-69, were looking to protect a two-game cushion over Cleveland.
Key Figures
- Bubba Chandler – 23-year-old rookie right-hander.
- Don Kelly – Pirates manager.
- Bryan Reynolds – Outfielder, two doubles and a sacrifice fly.
- Rafael Flores Jr. – Outfielder, solo home run.
- Oneil Cruz – Outfielder, three hits and two RBI.
- Konnor Griffin – Shortstop, leadoff double.
- Sean Burke – White Sox starter, charged with seven runs.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: Pirates 9, White Sox 3.
- Total hits: Pirates 18, White Sox 6.
- First-inning output: 5 doubles, 7 runs.
- Chandler’s line: 6 IP, 2 R, 4 H, 8 K, 0 BB.
- Chandler generated 16 four-seam fastball whiffs, the most by a Pirates pitcher since Statcast began in 2015.
- The five doubles marked the first occurrence of four doubles in a single inning for Pittsburgh in the Expansion Era.
Official Statements & Responses
He described the early inning as “electric” and highlighted Chandler’s fastball as the best of the season.
On-the-Ground Reports
Pittsburgh’s first seven batters reached base, a feat not achieved since the franchise’s nine-run first inning against Colorado on Aug. 1, 2025. Griffin’s leadoff double (109.4 mph exit velocity) set the tone, followed by doubles from Reynolds (99.5 mph), Cruz (111.2 mph) and Esmerlyn Valdez (100.7 mph), each driving in runs. Spencer Horwitz’s two-run single in the second inning extended the lead to 7-0.
Chicago’s offense managed only one run in each of the fifth, sixth and seventh innings after the Pirates had already built a sizable cushion.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A lot of good at-bats, a lot of good barrels,” — Bryan Reynolds
- “It makes the game a lot easier on the pitching side to go out there and not be afraid to give up runs because of what the offense is doing that day,” — Bubba Chandler
What’s Next
The Pirates will send right-hander Lake Bachar (1-3, 3.59 ERA) to the mound for the Wednesday night start, while the White Sox are slated to start right-hander Davis Martin (9-6, 4.13 ERA).
