Sat May 10 23:00:00 UTC 2025: ## New Pirates Manager Don Kelly Earns First Win in Debut
**Pittsburgh, PA** – The Pittsburgh Pirates snapped a seven-game losing streak Friday night, securing a 3-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves in the debut of new manager Don Kelly. The win marked a much-needed boost for the struggling team, who are currently 12-26 and far behind in the NL Central.
Bailey Falter pitched a stellar game, allowing only two hits over six innings. Kelly, a Pittsburgh native promoted from bench coach after the firing of Derek Shelton, received a warm welcome from the crowd and a post-game ice bath celebration.
Falter attributed the team’s improved performance to the players’ desire to perform well for their new manager, stating, “It’s safe to say that I feel like everyone was kind of playing for [Kelly] tonight.”
Kelly, who played college baseball locally and has a long history in the game, expressed his hope to turn the team around, acknowledging their poor performance so far this season. He emphasized the opportunity for growth and improvement, while acknowledging the team’s significant challenges. “When we look at these things, yes, the record isn’t where any of us hope it would be right now,” Kelly said, “But there’s a lot of opportunity for growth, there’s a lot of opportunity to get better.”
The team’s recent struggles, including a historically poor offense, led to Shelton’s dismissal. Rookie Paul Skenes commented on the situation, stating, “At the end of the day, we’re 12-26…Someone’s got to be held accountable.”
Kelly, known for his approachable style and focus on team unity, plans to continue fostering a supportive environment. While uncertain about the level of progress the team will make this season, he remains optimistic about their potential. “I guess time will tell,” he said. “I don’t exactly know.”
First Piper 