PITTSBURGH -- Derek Dietrich had a big night at the plate Thursday with a little help from above.
After driving in three runs on three hits in the Marlins’ 7-1 victory over the Pirates, Dietrich said he couldn’t help but feel the presence of his late grandfather, Steve Demeter, who spent years coaching and scouting in the Pirates organization.
Demeter had cups of coffee in 1959 and ’60 with Cleveland and Detroit, totaling two hits in 23 at bats. Like Dietrich, he played third base.
“I feel like I had a little strength from above this evening,” Dietrich said.