PITTSBURGH — Spencer Horwitz capped a big series for himself and the Pirates Wednesday, clubbing a grand slam as the Pirates beat the Tigers at PNC Park, 6-1, to finish a three-game sweep of a club whose 60-43 record is at the top of the American League.
It has been a challenging season for Horwitz, but the first baseman had his best series with the Pirates against the Tigers. After back-to-back three-hit games to open the set, he launched a two-out grand slam in the second inning that put the Pirates up 5-0.
Andrew McCutchen opened the scoring with a first-inning homer off Tigers starter Troy Melton, who was making his Major League debut. Melton allowed six runs on seven hits and two walks over five innings.
That was more than enough support for Bailey Falter, who struck out a season-high eight batters over seven innings. Falter got 19 called strikes on the afternoon, one off of his career high, and effectively mixed his spin pitches with a fastball-heavy approach.
Falter allowed one run on the day without walking a batter. He surrendered four hits.
The Pirates will return to action Friday when they welcome the Diamondbacks to PNC Park. Mike Burrows (1-3, 4.70 ERA) will take the ball in Game 1, with first pitch set for 6:40 p.m. ET.
