Latest news with #Pham
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Is your superannuation balance higher than your postcode average?
Four Hunter postcodes have a median superannuation of more than $100,000, and a surprising area has topped the list, according to recent Australian Tax Office data. The 2282 postcode topped the Hunter list with a median of $117,397, which encompasses Eleebana, Lakelands, and Warners Bay. The superannuation data is for the 2022-23 financial year, which the ATO recently released as part of its taxation statistics. The 2291 postcode of Merewether, Merewether Heights and The Junction was the second highest with $109,785, followed by 2305, which includes Kotara East, New Lambton, and New Lambton Heights, at $104,886. Wangi Wangi rounded out the top four at $103,837. Despite ranking at 23rd for median, the 2300 postcode for Newcastle, Newcastle East, Cooks Hill, Bar Beach, and The Hill topped the list for average superannuation at $317,597. University of Newcastle Associate Professor of finance Mia Pham said this was an example of income inequality. "The 2300 covers inner-city Newcastle, and we can see that this area has a diverse mix of professionals, and we also have students, renters, and retirees," she said. "So the fact that it ranks high in average superannuation, but low in median tells us there's a wide gap between the top and the bottom. "It could be that a few individuals have very large super balances. For example, older professionals or those people that have a high income and it can skew the average upward." The 2291 postcode was second-highest for average at $310,451, while Salamander Bay and Soldiers Point's postcode of 2317 was third highest at $248,851. Low-socioeconomic areas like Windale were on the other end of the scale. The 2306 postcode had a median superannuation of $17,467 and an average of $51,658. Associate Professor Pham said factors such as average income, employment and age played a role in an area's superannuation spread. "Many residents may work in casual or part-time roles, which don't always come with consistent super contribution," she said. "Areas with a younger population have less time to accumulate the super." The 2308 postcode, made up entirely of the University of Newcastle campus, had a median super of $1220 and an average of $12,160. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents also face systemic barriers to wealth building, Associate Professor Pham said. "Another thing is the culture and social factor, because some people, let's say, the migrant population, they may have a lower balance because they just recently joined the workforce," she said. The option to access superannuation during the pandemic was also more commonly used by people who were on lower incomes or in financial distress, creating a further divide, Associate Professor Pham said. She said the impact of withdrawing super early may be larger than people expect. "So let's say if a person withdraws about $20,000 at the age of 30, and if that money had stayed and earned a 7 per cent annual return, it could have rolled to over $150,000 by the age of 60, and by the age of 67, it's going to be more than $200,000," she said. "So you can see that's a huge shortfall and it's entirely due to missing out on decades of compounding. "I think early withdrawal was something people had to do, but it's going to be a really high price that they have to pay later in life and especially for those who already face the financial disadvantages." The Association of Super Funds Australia recommends couples need $690,000 to comfortably retire on, while single people need $595,000. That number assumes the person owns their home and receives some support from the age pension. Associate Professor Pham said it also varied depending on different factors. For example, people in regional areas may need less than those in capital cities. The estimate has increased from $500,000 for a single and about $580,000 for a couple 10 years ago. Associate Professor Pham believed there should be more financial literacy to educate people about superannuation and address economic inequality. "Many people do not understand how superannuation works," she said. "They may not understand about the tax benefit of voluntary contributions or the compounding power of the investment. "Sometimes they just consider super as set and forget. Studies show that many people don't know that the super fund they belong to performed very poorly, and they never change the fund." The federal government has recently introduced initiatives to help bridge the gap, such as a tax on high-value accounts and a superannuation guarantee on parental leave. Associate Professor Pham said those initiatives would make a difference, but that she would also like to see more regulation that encouraged employees to make voluntary contributions, particularly those on lower incomes. Four Hunter postcodes have a median superannuation of more than $100,000, and a surprising area has topped the list, according to recent Australian Tax Office data. The 2282 postcode topped the Hunter list with a median of $117,397, which encompasses Eleebana, Lakelands, and Warners Bay. The superannuation data is for the 2022-23 financial year, which the ATO recently released as part of its taxation statistics. The 2291 postcode of Merewether, Merewether Heights and The Junction was the second highest with $109,785, followed by 2305, which includes Kotara East, New Lambton, and New Lambton Heights, at $104,886. Wangi Wangi rounded out the top four at $103,837. Despite ranking at 23rd for median, the 2300 postcode for Newcastle, Newcastle East, Cooks Hill, Bar Beach, and The Hill topped the list for average superannuation at $317,597. University of Newcastle Associate Professor of finance Mia Pham said this was an example of income inequality. "The 2300 covers inner-city Newcastle, and we can see that this area has a diverse mix of professionals, and we also have students, renters, and retirees," she said. "So the fact that it ranks high in average superannuation, but low in median tells us there's a wide gap between the top and the bottom. "It could be that a few individuals have very large super balances. For example, older professionals or those people that have a high income and it can skew the average upward." The 2291 postcode was second-highest for average at $310,451, while Salamander Bay and Soldiers Point's postcode of 2317 was third highest at $248,851. Low-socioeconomic areas like Windale were on the other end of the scale. The 2306 postcode had a median superannuation of $17,467 and an average of $51,658. Associate Professor Pham said factors such as average income, employment and age played a role in an area's superannuation spread. "Many residents may work in casual or part-time roles, which don't always come with consistent super contribution," she said. "Areas with a younger population have less time to accumulate the super." The 2308 postcode, made up entirely of the University of Newcastle campus, had a median super of $1220 and an average of $12,160. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents also face systemic barriers to wealth building, Associate Professor Pham said. "Another thing is the culture and social factor, because some people, let's say, the migrant population, they may have a lower balance because they just recently joined the workforce," she said. The option to access superannuation during the pandemic was also more commonly used by people who were on lower incomes or in financial distress, creating a further divide, Associate Professor Pham said. She said the impact of withdrawing super early may be larger than people expect. "So let's say if a person withdraws about $20,000 at the age of 30, and if that money had stayed and earned a 7 per cent annual return, it could have rolled to over $150,000 by the age of 60, and by the age of 67, it's going to be more than $200,000," she said. "So you can see that's a huge shortfall and it's entirely due to missing out on decades of compounding. "I think early withdrawal was something people had to do, but it's going to be a really high price that they have to pay later in life and especially for those who already face the financial disadvantages." The Association of Super Funds Australia recommends couples need $690,000 to comfortably retire on, while single people need $595,000. That number assumes the person owns their home and receives some support from the age pension. Associate Professor Pham said it also varied depending on different factors. For example, people in regional areas may need less than those in capital cities. The estimate has increased from $500,000 for a single and about $580,000 for a couple 10 years ago. Associate Professor Pham believed there should be more financial literacy to educate people about superannuation and address economic inequality. "Many people do not understand how superannuation works," she said. "They may not understand about the tax benefit of voluntary contributions or the compounding power of the investment. "Sometimes they just consider super as set and forget. Studies show that many people don't know that the super fund they belong to performed very poorly, and they never change the fund." The federal government has recently introduced initiatives to help bridge the gap, such as a tax on high-value accounts and a superannuation guarantee on parental leave. Associate Professor Pham said those initiatives would make a difference, but that she would also like to see more regulation that encouraged employees to make voluntary contributions, particularly those on lower incomes. Four Hunter postcodes have a median superannuation of more than $100,000, and a surprising area has topped the list, according to recent Australian Tax Office data. The 2282 postcode topped the Hunter list with a median of $117,397, which encompasses Eleebana, Lakelands, and Warners Bay. The superannuation data is for the 2022-23 financial year, which the ATO recently released as part of its taxation statistics. The 2291 postcode of Merewether, Merewether Heights and The Junction was the second highest with $109,785, followed by 2305, which includes Kotara East, New Lambton, and New Lambton Heights, at $104,886. Wangi Wangi rounded out the top four at $103,837. Despite ranking at 23rd for median, the 2300 postcode for Newcastle, Newcastle East, Cooks Hill, Bar Beach, and The Hill topped the list for average superannuation at $317,597. University of Newcastle Associate Professor of finance Mia Pham said this was an example of income inequality. "The 2300 covers inner-city Newcastle, and we can see that this area has a diverse mix of professionals, and we also have students, renters, and retirees," she said. "So the fact that it ranks high in average superannuation, but low in median tells us there's a wide gap between the top and the bottom. "It could be that a few individuals have very large super balances. For example, older professionals or those people that have a high income and it can skew the average upward." The 2291 postcode was second-highest for average at $310,451, while Salamander Bay and Soldiers Point's postcode of 2317 was third highest at $248,851. Low-socioeconomic areas like Windale were on the other end of the scale. The 2306 postcode had a median superannuation of $17,467 and an average of $51,658. Associate Professor Pham said factors such as average income, employment and age played a role in an area's superannuation spread. "Many residents may work in casual or part-time roles, which don't always come with consistent super contribution," she said. "Areas with a younger population have less time to accumulate the super." The 2308 postcode, made up entirely of the University of Newcastle campus, had a median super of $1220 and an average of $12,160. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents also face systemic barriers to wealth building, Associate Professor Pham said. "Another thing is the culture and social factor, because some people, let's say, the migrant population, they may have a lower balance because they just recently joined the workforce," she said. The option to access superannuation during the pandemic was also more commonly used by people who were on lower incomes or in financial distress, creating a further divide, Associate Professor Pham said. She said the impact of withdrawing super early may be larger than people expect. "So let's say if a person withdraws about $20,000 at the age of 30, and if that money had stayed and earned a 7 per cent annual return, it could have rolled to over $150,000 by the age of 60, and by the age of 67, it's going to be more than $200,000," she said. "So you can see that's a huge shortfall and it's entirely due to missing out on decades of compounding. "I think early withdrawal was something people had to do, but it's going to be a really high price that they have to pay later in life and especially for those who already face the financial disadvantages." The Association of Super Funds Australia recommends couples need $690,000 to comfortably retire on, while single people need $595,000. That number assumes the person owns their home and receives some support from the age pension. Associate Professor Pham said it also varied depending on different factors. For example, people in regional areas may need less than those in capital cities. The estimate has increased from $500,000 for a single and about $580,000 for a couple 10 years ago. Associate Professor Pham believed there should be more financial literacy to educate people about superannuation and address economic inequality. "Many people do not understand how superannuation works," she said. "They may not understand about the tax benefit of voluntary contributions or the compounding power of the investment. "Sometimes they just consider super as set and forget. Studies show that many people don't know that the super fund they belong to performed very poorly, and they never change the fund." The federal government has recently introduced initiatives to help bridge the gap, such as a tax on high-value accounts and a superannuation guarantee on parental leave. Associate Professor Pham said those initiatives would make a difference, but that she would also like to see more regulation that encouraged employees to make voluntary contributions, particularly those on lower incomes. Four Hunter postcodes have a median superannuation of more than $100,000, and a surprising area has topped the list, according to recent Australian Tax Office data. The 2282 postcode topped the Hunter list with a median of $117,397, which encompasses Eleebana, Lakelands, and Warners Bay. The superannuation data is for the 2022-23 financial year, which the ATO recently released as part of its taxation statistics. The 2291 postcode of Merewether, Merewether Heights and The Junction was the second highest with $109,785, followed by 2305, which includes Kotara East, New Lambton, and New Lambton Heights, at $104,886. Wangi Wangi rounded out the top four at $103,837. Despite ranking at 23rd for median, the 2300 postcode for Newcastle, Newcastle East, Cooks Hill, Bar Beach, and The Hill topped the list for average superannuation at $317,597. University of Newcastle Associate Professor of finance Mia Pham said this was an example of income inequality. "The 2300 covers inner-city Newcastle, and we can see that this area has a diverse mix of professionals, and we also have students, renters, and retirees," she said. "So the fact that it ranks high in average superannuation, but low in median tells us there's a wide gap between the top and the bottom. "It could be that a few individuals have very large super balances. For example, older professionals or those people that have a high income and it can skew the average upward." The 2291 postcode was second-highest for average at $310,451, while Salamander Bay and Soldiers Point's postcode of 2317 was third highest at $248,851. Low-socioeconomic areas like Windale were on the other end of the scale. The 2306 postcode had a median superannuation of $17,467 and an average of $51,658. Associate Professor Pham said factors such as average income, employment and age played a role in an area's superannuation spread. "Many residents may work in casual or part-time roles, which don't always come with consistent super contribution," she said. "Areas with a younger population have less time to accumulate the super." The 2308 postcode, made up entirely of the University of Newcastle campus, had a median super of $1220 and an average of $12,160. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents also face systemic barriers to wealth building, Associate Professor Pham said. "Another thing is the culture and social factor, because some people, let's say, the migrant population, they may have a lower balance because they just recently joined the workforce," she said. The option to access superannuation during the pandemic was also more commonly used by people who were on lower incomes or in financial distress, creating a further divide, Associate Professor Pham said. She said the impact of withdrawing super early may be larger than people expect. "So let's say if a person withdraws about $20,000 at the age of 30, and if that money had stayed and earned a 7 per cent annual return, it could have rolled to over $150,000 by the age of 60, and by the age of 67, it's going to be more than $200,000," she said. "So you can see that's a huge shortfall and it's entirely due to missing out on decades of compounding. "I think early withdrawal was something people had to do, but it's going to be a really high price that they have to pay later in life and especially for those who already face the financial disadvantages." The Association of Super Funds Australia recommends couples need $690,000 to comfortably retire on, while single people need $595,000. That number assumes the person owns their home and receives some support from the age pension. Associate Professor Pham said it also varied depending on different factors. For example, people in regional areas may need less than those in capital cities. The estimate has increased from $500,000 for a single and about $580,000 for a couple 10 years ago. Associate Professor Pham believed there should be more financial literacy to educate people about superannuation and address economic inequality. "Many people do not understand how superannuation works," she said. "They may not understand about the tax benefit of voluntary contributions or the compounding power of the investment. "Sometimes they just consider super as set and forget. Studies show that many people don't know that the super fund they belong to performed very poorly, and they never change the fund." The federal government has recently introduced initiatives to help bridge the gap, such as a tax on high-value accounts and a superannuation guarantee on parental leave. Associate Professor Pham said those initiatives would make a difference, but that she would also like to see more regulation that encouraged employees to make voluntary contributions, particularly those on lower incomes.
The Guardian
4 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
Cosy cooking: six fragrant, flavourful braises and stews
Patience is its own reward when it comes to slow cooking. The smells are tantalising and the rich flavours make for great leftovers. What better way to spend a winter day? (Pictured above) From marinating the beef to creating a spice bag with a muslin cloth, each step of this hearty Vietnamese classic adds another layer of flavour. As the beef, aromatics and liquids simmer away, the richness of the bò kho comes to life. Serve it with either a crispy baguette or fresh egg noodles. Pham recommends adding extra beef stock if you opt for the latter, to make it a more 'slurpable experience'. This traditional and homely dish from Romania sings with 'sweet-tangy notes', says Georgescu. Two whole leeks (including the dark green parts) are cooked down with coriander seeds for 15-25 minutes. These are then combined with white wine, vegetable stock and chopped tomatoes. At the end, she stirs through lemon juice and olives. Georgescu serves hers with bread, burghul wheat or rice. This one pan dish is a weeknight staple in Hayden's household, with a stamp of approval from both adults and little ones. Not only a confirmed 'lipsmacker', it's also ridiculously simple, with a base that's made up of pantry staples – black beans and chopped tomatoes. After frying all the ingredients, they bubble down together in the oven, so ensure your pan is oven safe. Hayden serves it with tortillas, sour cream and lime-y avocado, but she says 'anything goes'. These 'pickled potatoes' are salt and vinegar chips without the packet. Although they're not actually pickled, they are cooked in a way that mimics the taste thanks to a mixture of lemon juice and cumin, turmeric and curry leaves. Place them on a bed of yoghurt rice and with some salty Indian gooseberry pickles if on hand – they're Sodha's favourite accompaniment for this dish. A winter staple, the carrot is utilised to its full glory in this one-tray bake. 'You're getting two ingredients for the price of one,' says Hunt, who uses the leafy tops to create a tangy chermoula (a herby, oily North African sauce) to accompany the stew. The body of the carrot is separated and baked with a variety of Moroccan spices until 'hot and bubbling'. Serve straight from the tray, with couscous and yoghurt on the side. Slow and steady wins the race in this 'uniquely Bahraini' dish, which takes at least four hours to prepare. Murad says 'all the good stuff happens' at the bottom of the pot. That good stuff includes juicy and tender chicken blanketed by spicy potatoes, onion, tomato and saffron-infused rice. The final act? When fully cooked through and settled, put a platter on top of the pan and invert the rice mixture on to it.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
What we know about claim Pope Leo XIV deployed priests to immigration courts
In the weeks after Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected in May 2025, a rumor spread on social media that he was sending priests to courthouses in solidarity with immigrants. "Pope Leo is deploying priests to courthouses to stand in solidarity with immigrants as they exit their hearings — offering protection, support, and a watchful eye," one Threads post (archived) with the claim read. The post reached over 86,000 reactions, as of this writing. (Threads user @creepyhorrorgal) "Pope Leo XIV has called for priests, deacons and parish leaders to accompany migrants to court and stand in solidarity with them," an X post (archived) on the topic, with over 1.1 million views, read. Similar claims spread on other social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Reddit, often featuring a letter attributed to the Diocese of San Diego. In short, the rumors aren't exactly correct. According to local media reports, on June 20, 2025, World Refugee Day, about a dozen clergy did participate in both a special mass and a gathering outside the federal courthouse in San Diego, held in solidarity with migrants attending immigration hearings. The letter circulating online allegedly came from Bishop-designate Michael Pham of the Diocese of San Diego, appointed by Pope Leo XIV earlier in 2025. In a letter dated June 11, 2025, Bishop Pham invited priests, deacons, and ministry leaders to join him at the federal courthouse on June 20. We have not independently authenticated the letter, but it describes an event that did occur. However, there was no evidence that Pope Leo XIV directly issued any instruction for this action, nor that he deployed priests in a broader, global or national context. No official Vatican communication references the courthouse action, and none of the outlets covering the San Diego event reported any involvement by the pope beyond having appointed Pham earlier that year. We have reached out to the Holy See Press Office to clarify whether any formal directive was issued regarding the courthouse initiative and will update this report if we receive a response. How the letter circulated online It was unclear who first shared the aforementioned letter online. It seemingly first appeared in a June 11 article on the blog "The Deacon's Bench," created by Deacon Greg Kandra, which stated the letter was circulated in the Diocese of San Diego. Kandra confirmed via email he received the letter from an unnamed source and uploaded it to his website after checking, unsuccessfully, for an official copy on the Diocese of San Diego's site. He added that the event described in the letter went forward as planned and was attended by numerous clergy in support of migrants. In fact, while Snopes has not independently verified the letter, its content was consistent with an event that occurred later. The next day, Rich Raho, theology teacher at the DePaul College Prep, shared the letter on his X and Bluesky profile, writing, "Pope Leo's first US episcopal appointment, San Diego's Bishop-designate Pham, a Vietnamese refugee, invites priests and faith leaders to 'stand in solidarity' with migrants at courthouse on June 20, as they make court appearances." As of this writing the letter was also not available on the Diocese of San Diego's website, The Roman Catholic Diocese of SAN DIEGO Facebook page, or Pham's Facebook profile. We have reached out to the Diocese of San Diego for a confirmation and will update this report if we receive a response. In the letter, Pham reportedly wrote that the presence of faith leaders "makes a difference in how the migrants are treated," even if it does not change the legal outcome. "Being present will be a good way for us to give witness and stand with immigrants on a day in which, across the Diocese, we will all celebrate a mass at our various parishes dedicated to our immigrant brothers and sisters," the letter ended. What happened at the San Diego courthouse The event described in the letter actually took place. According to local media reports, including NBC San Diego, ABC 10 News, and the Episcopal News Service, about a dozen clergy, including Bishop Pham, attended both the mass and courthouse gathering. The Associated Press also reported on the event. On June 21, 2025, ABC 10 News shared a video titled, "Religious leaders show solidarity during immigration hearings on National Refugee Day," featuring footage from the event and an interview with Bishop Pham. In the segment, Bishop Pham reflected on his own experience as a Vietnam War refugee and described the event as a moral act of solidarity. "It gave me access to freedom that many countries in the world don't offer," he said of coming to the U.S. "It is sad and disheartening to see these kinds of things playing out in our country today," he added. "We must treat every person with dignity and respect." According to the ABC 10 News report, Bishop Pham stated that he plans to attend more immigration hearings in the future. Other rumors about Pope Leo XIV Since the election of Pope Leo XIV, numerous rumors have circulated online about his past, statements and actions. In mid-May 2025 we fact-checked whether he once said, "You cannot follow both Christ and the cruelty of kings. A leader who mocks the weak, exalts himself, and preys on the innocent is not sent by God. He is sent to test you. And many are failing." We have also debunked rumors that he played the trombone in a jazz band in the 1970s and '80s and was known in Chicago music circles as "Bobby Prev," and investigated a series of fake photographs showing him falling down stairs. - YouTube. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025. ---. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025. Christensen, Laerke. "No Proof Pope Leo XIV Played Jazz Trombone under the Name 'Bobby Prev.'" Snopes, 9 May 2025, CNA. "Pope Leo XIV Appoints Auxiliary Bishop Michael Pham as Bishop of San Diego." Catholic News Agency, Accessed 22 Jul. 2025. "Communications." Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego, Accessed 22 Jul. 2025. Contacts. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025. "International Refugee Day." All Hallows Catholic Church, 16 Jun. 2025, Kandra, Deacon Greg. "California Bishops Urge Solidarity with Migrants, Refugees." Deacon Greg Kandra, 12 Jun. 2025, Perez • •, M. G. "Catholic Clergy Supports World Refugee Day from the Cathedral to the Courtroom." NBC 7 San Diego, 20 Jun. 2025, PerryCook, Taija. "No Evidence Pope Leo XIV Said, 'You Cannot Follow Both Christ and the Cruelty of Kings.'" Snopes, 16 May 2025, Rascouët-Paz, Anna. "Don't Fall for Photos of Pope Leo XIV Tumbling down Stairs." Snopes, 11 Jun. 2025, "San Diego Bishop Joins Catholic-Led Gathering at Federal Courthouse on World Refugee Day." Episcopal News Service, 23 Jun. 2025, "San Diego Clergy Visit Federal Immigration Court to Bear Witness during Crackdown on Migrants." AP News, 20 Jun. 2025,
Fox Sports
7 days ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Spencer Horwitz, Bryan Reynolds, Tommy Pham star in Pirates' 8-5 victory over skidding Tigers
Associated Press PITTSBURGH (AP) — Spencer Horwitz, Bryan Reynolds and Tommy Pham each had three hits and two RBIs, and the Pittsburgh Pirates hit eight doubles in an 8-5 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday night. Horwitz hit a two-run double in the second inning to open the scoring. The Pirates, who had lost 11 of their previous 12 games, have taken the first two games of the series from the AL Central leaders. Reynolds had RBI singles in the third and sixth and Pham doubled in a run in the sixth as the Pirates increased their lead to 8-3. The Tigers have lost eight of their last nine games. Mitch Keller (4-10) allowed three runs and six hits in six innings to win what could be his final start with the Pirates. The right-hander has been heavily rumored to be traded by the July 31 deadline. David Bednar, another potential trade target, pitched a scoreless ninth for his 15th save in as many opportunities. Casey Mize (9-4) was tagged for five runs (four earned) and 10 hits in four innings. Mize was pitching for the first time since making his first career All-Star Game appearance a week earlier. Jake Rogers hit a three-run home run, his second of the season, in the fifth inning. Jahmai Jones added a two-run shot as a pinch-hitter in the eighth. Tigers All-Star shortstop Javier Baez returned and was 1 for 4 after missing Monday night's game with left shoulder soreness. Key moment The Tigers put runners on first and second with one out in the ninth before Bednar escaped the jam by striking out Wenceel Perez and Riley Greene. Key stat Horwitz, Pham and Oneil Cruz became the first Pirates trio to have two doubles in a game since 2002. Up next The series concludes Wednesday with the Tigers planning to call up RHP Troy Melton from Triple-A Toledo for his major league debut, facing LHP Bailey Falter (6-5, 4.00 ERA). ___ AP MLB: recommended Item 1 of 2
Winnipeg Free Press
7 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Spencer Horwitz, Bryan Reynolds, Tommy Pham star in Pirates' 8-5 victory over skidding Tigers
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Spencer Horwitz, Bryan Reynolds and Tommy Pham each had three hits and two RBIs, and the Pittsburgh Pirates hit eight doubles in an 8-5 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday night. Horwitz hit a two-run double in the second inning to open the scoring. The Pirates, who had lost 11 of their previous 12 games, have taken the first two games of the series from the AL Central leaders. Reynolds had RBI singles in the third and sixth and Pham doubled in a run in the sixth as the Pirates increased their lead to 8-3. The Tigers have lost eight of their last nine games. Mitch Keller (4-10) allowed three runs and six hits in six innings to win what could be his final start with the Pirates. The right-hander has been heavily rumored to be traded by the July 31 deadline. David Bednar, another potential trade target, pitched a scoreless ninth for his 15th save in as many opportunities. Casey Mize (9-4) was tagged for five runs (four earned) and 10 hits in four innings. Mize was pitching for the first time since making his first career All-Star Game appearance a week earlier. Jake Rogers hit a three-run home run, his second of the season, in the fifth inning. Jahmai Jones added a two-run shot as a pinch-hitter in the eighth. Tigers All-Star shortstop Javier Báez returned and was 1 for 4 after missing Monday night's game with left shoulder soreness. Key moment The Tigers put runners on first and second with one out in the ninth before Bednar escaped the jam by striking out Wenceel Pérez and Riley Greene. Key stat Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. Horwitz, Pham and Oneil Cruz became the first Pirates trio to have two doubles in a game since 2002. Up next The series concludes Wednesday with the Tigers planning to call up RHP Troy Melton from Triple-A Toledo for his major league debut, facing LHP Bailey Falter (6-5, 4.00 ERA). ___ AP MLB:
