The Pittsburgh Pirates spoke on a near brawl in their last game in Chicago.

CHICAGO (AP) — Rookie Esmerlyn Valdez hit a solo shot, rookie Konnor Griffin singled in two runs in Pittsburgh’s three-run seventh inning and the Pirates held on to beat the Chicago White Sox 4-2 on Wednesday night for their third straight victory.

Yohan Ramírez induced a key 5-4-3 double play to preserve the Pirates' 4-1 lead at the end of the seventh inning. Then, the benches and bullpens cleared at Rate Field Wednesday night. White Sox second

The Pittsburgh Pirates left-handed relief pitcher showed up his former team.

Back at .500, Pittsburgh goes for its first road sweep of the season behind Jared Jones, while AL Central-leading Chicago hands rookie Hagen Smith his first career start.

Bullpen games have been plenty successful for the Pirates this season. They employed that strategy to perfection Wednesday to beat the White Sox, 4-2, at Rate Field, securing yet another series victory.

Antonacci defends controversial slide

CHICAGO (AP) — Bubba Chandler pitched six strong innings, Rafael Flores Jr. homered among his three hits and the Pittsburgh Pirates pounded the Chicago White Sox 9-3 on Tuesday night. Bryan Reynolds had two of Pittsburgh’s five doubles off starter Sean Burke.

Miguel Vargas is out of the Chicago White Sox starting lineup against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday as manager Will Venable gives his everyday third baseman a scheduled rest day during a demanding September stretch.