Cedric Mullins homers in 13th to lift Rays past Pirates 8-7

Rays outlast Pirates in rain-soaked extra-inning affair

Apr. 19, 2026 at 10:20am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a baseball game in motion, with players, field, and stadium elements broken down into abstract shapes and angles, conveying the dynamic energy of the rain-soaked extra-inning affair.A cubist interpretation of the dramatic extra-inning battle between the Rays and Pirates, capturing the game's intensity and unpredictability.Today in Pittsburgh

Cedric Mullins hit a two-run home run in the 13th inning to lift the Tampa Bay Rays to an 8-7 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates in a rain-delayed game on Saturday night. The Rays scored five runs in the fifth inning to take a 5-4 lead, but the Pirates tied it in the eighth. Both teams scored a run in the 11th before Mullins' decisive blast in the 13th.

Why it matters

The win keeps the Rays in contention in the AL East, while the loss is another tough one for the struggling Pirates in the NL Central. The game featured several lead changes and dramatic moments, including a lengthy rain delay, extra innings, and a clutch home run to decide the outcome.

The details

Cedric Mullins, who entered the day hitting just .129, led off the 13th inning with a two-run home run off Yohan Ramirez to give the Rays the lead. The Rays had scored five runs in the fifth inning to take a 5-4 lead, but the Pirates tied it in the eighth. Both teams scored a run in the 11th before Mullins' decisive blast. Rays pitcher Yoendrys Gomez allowed a run-scoring single in the bottom of the 13th but struck out Joey Bart with runners on second and third to end the game.

  • The first pitch was moved up 30 minutes due to the threat of rain.
  • Play was stopped for 2 hours and 27 minutes in the fourth inning, with the Pirates leading 4-0.
  • Mullins' game-winning home run came in the top of the 13th inning.

The players

Cedric Mullins

A Rays outfielder who hit the game-winning two-run home run in the 13th inning.

Yohan Ramírez

The Pirates pitcher who gave up Mullins' decisive home run in the 13th inning.

Paul Skenes

The Pirates ace pitcher who threw four scoreless innings before the rain delay but did not return after the delay.

Drew Rasmussen

The Rays starting pitcher who gave up two-run home runs to Ryan O'Hearn and Marcell Ozuna.

Konnor Griffin

The Pirates rookie who hit a run-scoring single in the bottom of the 13th inning.

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What they’re saying

“We must have had a dozen chances to win this game, but credit to the Rays for hanging in there and finding a way to pull it out.”

— Derek Shelton, Pirates Manager

What’s next

The Rays and Pirates will conclude their series on Sunday, with Rays left-hander Shane McClanahan scheduled to face Pirates right-hander Mitch Keller.

The takeaway

This back-and-forth, rain-delayed affair showcased the resilience of both teams, as they refused to let the weather or the score deter them. Mullins' clutch home run in the 13th inning proved to be the difference, demonstrating the Rays' ability to win close games even when their star players are struggling at the plate.