Pirates Score 3 runs on a swinging bunt, a breakdown

Jul 18, 2021 1.3M views 4:59

What Happened

The New York Mets' starting pitcher Taiwan Walker takes the mound against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Walker, an All-Star this season, is looking to continue his dominant first-half performance with a 2.50 ERA. In the bottom of the first inning, the Pirates jump out to an early lead. The first batter lines a double down the right field line, and the next batter follows with an RBI single that gives the Pirates a 1-0 lead. The next at-bat results in a bases-loaded walk, and then a two-run double clears the bases, making the score 3-0 Pirates. Pirates outfielder Gregory Polanco then draws another walk to load the bases with only one out. On the next play, the Pirates execute a swinging bunt down the third base line. Mets pitcher Taiwan Walker attempts to field the ball but it's ruled a fair ball, allowing all three runners to score on the play. The Pirates now lead 6-0 in the first inning. Mets manager Buck Showalter comes out to argue the fair ball call with the umpire, but the call stands. Walker remains in the game to face the next batter, who he walks, further extending the Pirates' lead. Showalter then comes out again and removes Walker from the game. Despite the disastrous start, the Mets mount a comeback. They score 7 unanswered runs over the rest of the game to win 7-6, avoiding the sweep. "We picked him up," Showalter says of his team's response to support Walker. The game-changing moment came on the swinging bunt in the first inning, with the umpire's controversial fair ball call sparking heated arguments from the Mets dugout. Though the call stood, the Mets showed resilience to overcome the early deficit and secure the comeback victory.

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we've got All-Star Taiwan Walker on the

bump for the Mets in Pittsburgh looking

to repeat what he did in the first half

we had a 2-5-0 era just been lights out

this season and this one is brought to