J-Hay saves day: Walk-off erases blown save

PITTSBURGH — Two days ago, closer Mark Melancon blew a save with two outs and two strikes in the ninth inning, and the Pirates went on to play 18 innings against the Nationals. Shortly after seeing a second straight save opportunity slip away Tuesday night at PNC Park, Josh Harrison quickly — and bizarrely — helped the Pirates forget about Melancon’s miscue. The second baseman ripped a triple to center field and completed the walk-off, Little League homer as the Pirates beat the Brewers, 3-2.

Down to their last strike in the ninth, the Brewers tied the game on a Hernan Perez hit to center field. Melancon put two runners on to lead off the ninth, struck out the next two batters and served up Perez’s game-tying single.

Seemingly unfazed after a frightening moment on the mound, rookie right-hander Jameson Taillon breezed through six innings. Taillon was struck in the back of the head by a 105-mph line drive off Perez’s bat in the second inning. Stunningly, the 24-year-old — who missed two seasons while recovering from Tommy John surgery and came off the disabled list earlier Tuesday — got up almost immediately and remained in the game. He allowed one run on five hits and struck out three without a walk, needing only 65 pitches as he quickly cruised through six innings.

Brewers rookie Junior Guerra continued to pitch well, holding the Pirates to two first-inning runs over six innings. Guerra allowed three hits and three walks while striking out six. But until the ninth, the Brewers only managed one run. Chris Carter doubled to lead off the fourth and scored on a groundout by Perez.

It was the Pirates’ 10th victory in the teams’ last 14 meetings at PNC Park. The Pirates have won 14 of their last 20 games overall.

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