Sun Mar 30 20:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Pirates’ Bednar Earns First Save, Reassures Team After Rough Start
**PITTSBURGH, PA -** Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar secured his first save of the season Friday night, overcoming a shaky start to help the team to a 4-3 victory over the Miami Marlins. The save, coming after a disappointing Opening Day performance, provided a much-needed boost of confidence for the two-time All-Star.
Bednar struggled in the ninth inning, allowing a walk and a home run that cut the Pirates’ lead to one run. However, he recovered, recording two groundball outs and a strikeout to secure the win. Manager Derek Shelton, while acknowledging the rough start, praised Bednar’s ability to recover and utilize his full repertoire of pitches, a contrast to his Opening Day outing. Bednar himself expressed relief, stating that getting the first save out of the way was significant.
The game also highlighted the strong performances of relief pitchers Caleb Ferguson and Ryan Borucki, who pitched scoreless innings in the seventh and eighth.
Beyond Bednar’s performance, the Pirates’ speed was on display. The team recorded eight stolen bases in their first two games, tying a record for the fourth most in the first two games since 1920. Oneil Cruz and Tommy Pham each stole a base in both games, a feat accomplished by only one other Pirates duo since 1900. Pham also joined an exclusive club, becoming only the third Pirates player since 1900 to steal at least one base in each of his first two games with the team.
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