Playing smaller role, Freese delivers big blow

PITTSBURGH — David Freese’s role has changed since the return of Jung Ho Kang, but the veteran Pirates infielder showed Wednesday night that he still has a knack for delivering the big hit in a key situation.

With the Bucs trailing by a run in the fifth inning, Freese drilled a two-run homer to cap a four-run frame in a 5-4 win over the D-backs.

Freese’s drive off Arizona starter Rubby De La Rosa scored Gregory Polanco as it soared 451 feet per Statcast™, gliding into the Pirates’ bullpen and dropping into the outstretched glove of Neftali Feliz. Pittsburgh had stranded five through the first four innings, and Freese was happy to offer starter Jeff Locke some run support.

“We didn’t help him out too well early with guys in scoring position, me in particular a couple times, so it was nice to kind of show …

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