PITTSBURGH — A crowded stadium. A playoff vibe. A tight game. They're the hallmarks of meaningful September baseball, a rite of fall that's been missing from PNC Park for nearly a decade.
This weekend offered what the Pittsburgh Pirates hope is a preview of things to come.
Jason Delay hit a tiebreaking double in the seventh inning that benefited from a fortunate bounce off third base, and the Pirates edged the New York Yankees 3-2 on Sunday to avoid a three-game sweep.
Delay turned on a curveball from Carlos Rodón (3-6) and hit a bouncer that nicked the outside of the bag and rolled away from New York third baseman Oswald Peraza and into foul territory in left field, allowing Jared Triolo to score from second.