Ashcraft Dominates as Pirates Sweep Twins with 9-3 Victory

PITTSBURGH (AP) — In a stellar performance, Braxton Ashcraft recorded 11 strikeouts over six innings, leading the Pittsburgh Pirates to a decisive 9-3 win against the struggling Minnesota Twins on Sunday. This victory marked the end of a three-game series sweep for the Pirates, who capitalized on the Twins' ongoing difficulties, extending Minnesota’s losing streak to five games.

Ashcraft (5-2) effectively limited the Twins, allowing just two runs and five hits without issuing a single walk. The Pirates jumped out to an early lead, with Ryan O’Hearn making an impactful return from the injured list by hitting a leadoff homer in the second inning. Following O’Hearn's blast, Jared Triolo brought in Oneil Cruz to push the score to 2-0.

Nick Gonzales then extended the Pirates’ advantage with a two-run homer in the third inning, making it 4-0. The fifth inning proved particularly damaging for the Twins; after Minnesota's starter Zebby Matthews (1-3) was replaced, the Pirates scored five runs, highlighted by Henry Davis's two-run single, which capped the inning and pushed the lead to 9-0.

Despite Brooks Lee's efforts for the Twins, which included a two-run homer in the sixth and another solo shot in the ninth, it was not enough to change the outcome. The Pirates showcased a dominant performance, illustrating their strong form as they continue to climb the standings.