Pirates Defeat Tigers 4-1

Final result

The Pittsburgh Pirates won 4-1 against the Detroit Tigers. The Pirates move to 62-66 on the season, while the Tigers fall to 61-65.

How the game changed

The game remained scoreless until the fifth inning. Brett Callahan hit a solo home run in the top of the fifth to give the Tigers a 1-0 lead. The Pirates responded in the bottom of the fifth with three runs, highlighted by a two-run home run from Oneil Cruz. Pittsburgh added an insurance run in the eighth inning to finalize the 4-1 score.

Key performances

Braxton Ashcraft earned the win for Pittsburgh, pitching 8.0 innings with four strikeouts and allowing one earned run. Oneil Cruz went 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs. Bryan Reynolds and Spencer Horwitz each contributed an RBI for the Pirates.

For the Tigers, Keider Montero took the loss, pitching 5.0 innings and allowing three earned runs. Brett Callahan provided the Tigers' only run with a solo home run.

Season and playoff context

As of August 18, 2026, the Pirates hold a 62-66 record, ranking fourth in their division and seventh in the wild card race. The Tigers hold a 61-65 record, ranking fourth in their division and eighth in the wild card race.

Series context

This was the second game of a three-game regular season series.

Official game sources

• MLB Stats API game feed
• MLB Stats API box score
• MLB Stats API line score
• MLB Stats API standings