The Minnesota Twins defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 11-5 in 10-innings Sunday afternoon at PNC Park to avoid a Pirates three-game series sweep. The Twins scored seven runs in the extra inning. Pirate reliever Ben Heller gave up all seven runs, six of them earned. He hit three of the batters he faced.
The Pirates were short on bullpen arms yesterday after using six relievers, including one as a starter Saturday’s 4-0 victory. Behind the pitching of Mitch Keller Friday night, the Bucs had also shutout the Twins 3-0.
The Pirates are off today then visit the St. Louis Cardinals Tuesday to open a six-game road trip. The Bucs will begin their three-game series a half-game behind the Cards and remain in last place in the N.L. Central.