Nick Fortes tripled to lead off the inning against reliever David Bednar (0-1) and Xavier Edwards was intentionally walked. After Edwards stole second, Stowers sent a line drive to right that scored pinch runner Javier Sanoja.

Jesus Tinoco (1-0) pitched the ninth for the win.

The Marlins rallied tied it at 4-all on consecutive run-scoring singles by Otto Lopez and Dane Myers in the eighth.

Pirates starter Paul Skenes, the reigning NL Rookie of the Year, struck out seven over 5 1/3 innings of two-run ball. Skenes gave up three hits and walked two.

Miami Marlins’ Dane Myers, left, and Kyle Stowers, right, celebrate after Stowers hit a walk-off single during the ninth inning. AP Photo

Bryan Reynolds hit a two-run single in the fifth that chased Miami starter Sandy Alcantara and put Pittsburgh ahead 2-1.

Alcantara, the 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner, who missed last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, made his first start since Sept. 3, 2023. He gave up two runs, two hits, struck out seven and walked four in 4 2/3 innings.

Nick Gonzales made it 4-1 with a two-run homer in the sixth.

The Marlins took an early lead on an RBI fielder’s choice by Edwards in the third.

KEY MOMENT

Tinoco escaped a ninth-inning jam after Tommy Pham doubled and Reynolds walked. Pham and Reynolds advanced on a double steal with two out before Tinoco struck out Joey Bart.

KEY STAT

Any indication that Alcantara would gradually increase velocity in his first outing was dispelled when he faced and struck out Pham to start the game. Alcantara threw only fastballs that ranged between 98.1 and 99.6 mph.

UP NEXT

RHP Mitch Keller (11-12, 4.25 in 2024) will start for the Pirates on Friday. RHP Connor Gillispie (0-0, 2.25 in2024) will go for the Marlins.