Nick Yorke's Walk-Off Double Lifts Pirates Over Orioles

The Pirates earned their first walk-off win of the season, thanks to Yorke's clutch hit in the 9th inning.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 12:03am

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In a close game at PNC Park, the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Baltimore Orioles 3-2 on a walk-off double by Nick Yorke in the bottom of the 9th inning. Bryan Reynolds scored the winning run after doubling earlier in the frame. Starting pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski allowed 2 runs over 4.2 innings, while the Pirates bullpen kept the game close to set up the dramatic finish.

Why it matters

The Pirates' first walk-off win of the season keeps them riding high with their fourth straight victory. The young team is showing resilience and the ability to win close games, which will be crucial as they look to compete in the NL Central division.

The details

With the game tied 2-2 in the bottom of the 9th, Bryan Reynolds led off with a double against Orioles closer Ryan Helsley. Nick Yorke then stepped up and delivered the game-winning RBI double that just cleared the left fielder's glove, allowing Reynolds to score the winning run. Earlier, the Pirates had taken a 1-0 lead in the 4th inning on a sacrifice fly by Spencer Horwitz, but the Orioles scored 2 runs in the top of the 4th to go ahead. The Pirates bullpen, led by Hunter Barco's 2.1 scoreless innings, kept the game close and set the stage for the dramatic finish.

  • The game was played on Saturday, April 5, 2026.
  • The walk-off hit occurred in the bottom of the 9th inning.

The players

Nick Yorke

The Pirates' young second baseman who delivered the game-winning hit in the 9th inning.

Bryan Reynolds

The Pirates' center fielder who doubled and scored the winning run in the 9th inning.

Carmen Mlodzinski

The Pirates' starting pitcher who allowed 2 runs over 4.2 innings.

Hunter Barco

The Pirates' relief pitcher who threw 2.1 scoreless innings to keep the game close.

Ryan Helsley

The Orioles' closer who took the loss after giving up the walk-off hit in the 9th inning.

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What they’re saying

“That was a huge win for us. Nick came up big in a clutch spot, and the whole team battled hard all game long.”

— Bryan Reynolds, Pirates Center Fielder

What’s next

The Pirates will go for a three-game sweep of the Orioles on Sunday afternoon, with first pitch scheduled for 1:35 p.m. Braxton Ashcraft is set to start for the Pirates against Orioles right-hander Chris Bassitt.

The takeaway

The Pirates' dramatic walk-off win showcases the team's resilience and ability to win close games, an important trait as they look to compete in the NL Central division. The performance of young players like Nick Yorke and the strong work from the bullpen are positive signs for the Pirates' future.