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Well, this was a game that combined power, precision, and a little bit of Pittsburgh flair, as the Pirates took Game 3 of the League Championship Series from the Arizona Diamondbacks, 10-4, at PNC Park. It was a performance defined by the shortstop, Matt Croke, from New York City, who had one of those afternoons every team hopes for but rarely sees. Three hits in five at-bats, including a home run and a triple, four runs batted in, and two runs scored of his own — a complete offensive package.
The defining moment came in the bottom of the fourth inning, with no one out. Croke crushed a sinker from Antonio Mendoza into the right-field stands for a three-run homer, turning a tight 4-1 game into a commanding 7-1 advantage for Pittsburgh. From that point forward, the Pirates never looked back.
Croke’s power was complemented by the steady contributions of outfielder R. Ortega, who went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBIs, and third baseman D. Verni, who added four RBIs of his own. Together, they turned what might have been a close game into a statement.
For Arizona, there were bright spots in J. Gonzalez, whose fourth-inning home run provided a glimmer of hope, and C. Grissett, who reached base multiple times, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Pirates’ balanced attack. Mendoza struggled early, giving up seven runs over just three innings, putting Arizona on its heels from the outset.
On the pitching side, Tommy Loder of Pittsburgh was efficient and resilient, going the distance in nine innings, allowing eight hits and four runs while striking out two. It was the kind of performance that gives a team both confidence and momentum in a series where every run counts.
Matt Croke, without question, the star of the game, carried Pittsburgh offensively and helped ensure the Pirates take a 2-1 series lead. And with tomorrow’s Game 4 looming at PNC Park, the Pirates will look to continue that momentum, while Arizona will need to regroup quickly if they hope to even the series.
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