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. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The D-Backs looked poised to take the win in regulation, leading the Pirates 6-0 in the bottom of the eighth inning. However, a turbulent inning by right-hander Ryan Thompson allowed Pittsburgh to cut the lead in half heading into the ninth. Instead of a comfortable win, it became a save opportunity for Sewald — and it wasn't his night.
A two-run homer followed by a solo shot tied the game, marking the closer's third blown save of the season. He eventually recorded one out before being pulled as the game went into extra innings.
Jul 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Paul Sewald (38) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

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