Pirates Fall Twice in 9th Inning Dramas

In a gripping two-game series at Candlestick Park, the Pittsburgh Pirates experienced the agony of defeat not once, but twice, as the San Francisco Giants rallied in the bottom of the 9th inning on consecutive nights to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Game 1: Giants rally in bottom of the 9th to win, 5-4

The first game on Tuesday night set the tone for heartbreak. The Pirates, holding a lead into the later innings, saw their efforts unravel in a dramatic finish. After managing to keep the Giants at bay for most of the game, the Pirates were up 4-1 heading into the bottom of the 8th. However, the Giants clawed back with a walk by Nathan Fritz that brought Dale Murphy home and a critical single from Joe Boley that knocked in Johnny Bench.

The true drama unfolded in the bottom of the 9th when Bench, already having a stellar night, doubled on a hard ground ball, sending Murphy and Del Ennis across the plate to seal a 5-4 comeback win. Bench’s clutch performance not only highlighted his prowess but also set the stage for an even more dramatic sequel the following night.

Game 2: Déjà Vu at Dusk, Giants rally in bottom of 9th to win 3-1

Wednesday’s game mirrored the prior night's suspense. The Pirates, hoping to shake off their previous loss, took an early lead with a solo homer by Gates Brown in the top of the 1st. Alex Fernandez pitched a gem through 8 innings, holding the Giants scoreless and seemingly set for a win. But the Giants, resilient as ever, had other plans.

In the bottom of the 9th, Johnny Bench again proved to be a thorn in the side for the Pirates. His double brought Ripper Collins home, tying the game. Moments later, Nathan Fritz delivered the final blow with a two-run double, again crushing the Pirates’ hopes and securing a 3-1 victory for the Giants.

Series MVP: Johnny Bench

Across both games, Johnny Bench was a monumental figure for the Giants. His decisive hits in the 9th innings of both games were pivotal in turning potential defeats into triumphant victories. Over the series, Bench amassed 4 hits, including 2 doubles, and drove in 4 runs. His performance not only secured two wins for his team but also earned him the Series MVP honors, a testament to his impact at critical moments.

This series will be remembered for the thrilling comebacks by the Giants and the heart-wrenching losses for the Pirates, with Johnny Bench standing out as the architect of victory. The Giants move forward with momentum, while the Pirates are left to ponder what might have been.