Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Mitch Keller finally put an end H…read more.
Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Mitch Keller finally put an end to his prolonged drought on the mound, snapping a frustrating 15-start winless streak with a strong performance that helped lift his team to victory.
Keller, who last recorded a win in early April, had been battling inconsistency and a lack of run support throughout the season. But on Friday night, everything came together. Pitching with confidence and command, Keller went six strong innings, allowing just one run on five hits while striking out seven. His efforts powered the Pirates to a 4-2 win and gave him his long-awaited fourth win of the season.
“It feels great to finally get that one off my back,” Keller said after the game. “I’ve been working hard, and the team has had my back through the tough stretches. Tonight, it all clicked.”
The Pirates’ offense provided timely support, with key RBIs from Bryan Reynolds and Andrew McCutchen giving the team a lead they wouldn’t surrender. The bullpen held firm, closing the door in the final innings to preserve the win.
Keller’s performance was a welcome sight for Pittsburgh fans, who have watched the 28-year-old pitcher show flashes of brilliance but struggle to translate them into consistent results. With this win, he improves his record to 4–7 and lowers his ERA to 4.21.
Manager Derek Shelton praised Keller’s resilience: “He stayed focused and kept grinding. This is the kind of outing we knew he was capable of.”
As the Pirates look to stay competitive in the NL Central, Keller’s return to form could be a crucial turning point in their season. For now, the long-awaited win offers both personal relief for Keller and renewed optimism for the team moving forward.
