Pirates Use Distefano, a Left-Hander, as a Catcher in Ninth Inning of Loss

Benny Distefano of the Pittsburgh Pirates became the first left-handed throwing catcher to play in a major-league game in nine years during the ninth inning of the Pirates’ 5-2 loss Sunday to the Atlanta Braves.

Left-hander Mike Squires caught two games for the Chicago White Sox in 1980.

Distefano, who started the game at first base, had no difficult fielding plays as reliever Bill Landrum retired the side in order on a strikeout and two ground balls.

Tom Prince, the Pirates’ starting catcher, was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the sixth and was replaced by Junior Ortiz, who was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the eighth.