Bubba Chandler had a stormy afternoon on Saturday but a very good evening.

The Pittsburgh Pirates rookie right-hander's day got off to a rough start when Clemson lost to Syracuse 34-21 in college football to drop to 1-3. Chandler committed to Clemson to play quarterback for coach Dabo Swinney out of high school before the Pirates swayed him to baseball with a $1-million signing bonus with their third-round draft pick in 2020.

Chandler and Swinney remain friends.

"Your favorite college football team losing? You never want that to happen," Chandler said with a smile.

However, Chandler's night ended well as he combined with two relievers on a one-hitter in a 2-0 victory over the Oakland Athletics at PNC Park.

Chandler gave up a two-out double to Jacob Wilson in the second inning and hit Brett Harris with a pitch to lead off the third. Fellow rookie Braxton Ashcraft followed Chandler with three perfect innings and six strikeouts before Dennis Santana pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his 14th save.

Chandler threw 68 pitches as the Pirates are managing his workload at the end of his major-league season. Yet Chandler still had 15 swinging strikes and averaged 99.3 mph – topping out at 100.9 mph – with his four-seam fastball.

Chandler arrived in the major leagues on Aug. 22, touted as the top pitching prospect in all of baseball. In six games, all as a starter or bulk reliever, the 23-year-old has a 3-1 record and 4.56 ERA.

Chandler has been outstanding, except for a rough outing against the Milwaukee Brewers on Sept. 7 at PNC Park, where he gave up nine runs in 2 2/3 innings in his first MLB start. However, the fans didn't boo that day. They cheered loudly on Saturday night in the Pirates' penultimate home game of the season.

"I very much appreciate the fans and the way they've welcomed me and a couple of the other rookies this year," Chandler said. "Can't say anything bad. Out on the town, saying, 'How you doin', Bubba?' 'Great to see you!' It's really cool and you never take it for granted."