Feb 24, 2019 2 min read

BRADENTON, Fla. – Top prospect Ke’Bryan Hayes hit two home runs, including a game-winning grand slam in the bottom of the ninth for Pittsburgh as the Pirates defeated the Miami Marlins, 10-6, Sunday.

The Pirates’ third basemen combined to hit four home runs.

Jung Ho Kang started at third base and hit two home runs. Hayes replaced Kang in the sixth inning.

“I’ve never been a part of a game where I’ve had two different third basemen hit two home runs,” Pirates manager Clint Hurdle told reporters.

The Pirates have reason to temper expectations for Kang, though he has hit 36 homers in 232 Major League games. He’ll turn 32 in April, and since 2016 he has played in a handful of games, including three in the major leagues at the end of last season. Pittsburgh declined his $5.5 million club option this offseason before re-signing him to a $3 million contract with $2.5 million in performance bonuses.

Lonnie Chisenhall doubled and scored for Pittsburgh.

Right-hander Nick Kingham, competing for the final spot in Pittsburgh’s rotation, threw two scoreless innings. Kingham allowed two hits and a walk with one strikeout.

Jordan Lyles, who is competing for the fifth-rotation spot with Kingham and Steven Brault, will make his Pirates debut as he starts against the Red Sox today.

Miami outfield prospect Victor Victor Mesa strained his right hamstring beating out a double-play relay. The 22-year-old Mesa, who signed a $5.25 million bonus last October, had not played in a game in nearly two years following his defection from Cuba.