Diamondbacks edge Pirates in extra innings, Sewald's struggles persist
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 29, 2026, 5:29 AM
Last updated Jul 29, 2026
The Arizona Diamondbacks secured an 8-7 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates in an extra-inning game on July 28, 2026. The Diamondbacks appeared to dominate early, leading 6-0 before reliever Ryan Thompson's performance allowed the Pirates to close the gap. Paul Sewald entered in the ninth to secure the save, but gave up three runs, resulting in his third blown save this season. Despite the team's reliance on Sewald, questions about his ability to perform in high-pressure situations remain, affecting managerial decisions moving forward.
- •Diamondbacks led 6-0 before Pirates’ comeback.
- •Ryan Thompson's rough outing set the stage for Sewald.
- •Sewald allowed three earned runs, raising his ERA to 5.26.
- •Manager Torey Lovullo's comments suggest uncertainty about future save opportunities for Sewald.
- •Next decisions on bullpen roles could impact postseason success.
- 5:29 AMYahoo Sports — Diamondbacks fans react to Paul Sewald’s rough night vs. Pirates
- 4:50 AMYahoo Sports — Diamondbacks escape with win, but Paul Sewald concerns remain
"PITTSBURGH — The Arizona Diamondbacks’ 8-7 extra-inning win over the Pittsburgh Pirates Tuesday night was a nail-biter. More importantly, it continued to raise one question: Is Paul Sewald still the right person to close games? Jul 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Bryan Reynolds (10) gestures as he circles the bases on a solo home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the ninth inning at PNC Park.
"PITTSBURGH — The Arizona Diamondbacks’ Tuesday win over the Pittsburgh Pirates had fans feeling every emotion, but one feeling that resonated throughout the fan base was exasperation. Jul 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Bryan Reynolds (10) gestures as he circles the bases on a solo home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the ninth inning at PNC Park.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 29, 2026, 5:29 AMDiamondbacks fans react to Paul Sewald’s rough night vs. Pirates
PITTSBURGH — The Arizona Diamondbacks’ Tuesday win over the Pittsburgh Pirates had fans feeling every emotion, but one feeling that resonated throughout the fan base was exasperation. Jul 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Bryan Reynolds (10) gestures as he circles the bases on a solo home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the ninth inning at PNC Park.
- Yahoo SportsJul 29, 2026, 4:50 AMDiamondbacks escape with win, but Paul Sewald concerns remain
PITTSBURGH — The Arizona Diamondbacks’ 8-7 extra-inning win over the Pittsburgh Pirates Tuesday night was a nail-biter. More importantly, it continued to raise one question: Is Paul Sewald still the right person to close games? Jul 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Bryan Reynolds (10) gestures as he circles the bases on a solo home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the ninth inning at PNC Park.
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