DETROIT -- Colin Moran doesn’t care where he plays or how often he plays.

Truth be told, Moran only cares about helping his team win. And that’s exactly what he did Wednesday night, in another extra-inning game that was played in a fairly steady rain.

Tied at two runs apiece, Moran got the chance to play hero in Detroit with a go-ahead RBI single to help the Pirates pull out a 3-2 win against the Tigers in 10 innings for a second-straight night.

It was another strong offensive showing from Moran, who has been a consistent contributor for the Pirates this season, despite filling a role that calls for him to serve mostly in a utility role.

“There’s an internal engine in him that’s real,” Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. “As quiet as he is, there’s a burning desire to get things done inside of him.”

Despite his impressive start to the season, the Pirates continue to groom Moran for a utility job. On Wednesday, he started at first base, one day after sitting on the bench, which came one more day after playing third. Moran even got a glimpse of left field earlier this season.

“He wants to be a good Major League player, he wants to win a World Series; he wants to do something special and significant with his teammates here in Pittsburgh,” Hurdle said. “Those are the things that motivate him.”

Yet, despite the lack of an everyday role, which many ballplayers often require in order to find continued success, Moran continues to find ways to contribute on a near daily basis.

“Because he prepares and he’s ready,” Hurdle said. “He’s got a lot of confidence.”

At this point, the Pirates remain committed to third baseman Jung Ho Kang after re-signing him to a one-year, $3 million contract this offseason, that includes $2.5 million in performance bonuses. They were encouraged by how he looked when he was able to play last season, and it appears they’re willing to afford him every opportunity to see if he can return to form.

“Jung Ho plays third base, and we’d like to leave him at third base,” Hurdle said. “Plus, he’s been a solid defender at third base, so the two work hand in hand.”

However, given the early-season struggles of Kang, who is hitting .130 with a .504 OPS, some have questioned whether Moran should be considered to fill the everyday role at third.

But not Moran. He’s comfortable with whatever plans the Pirates have in mind for him.

“You talk to Moran about his role, and he says I’m going to show up, I’m going to work,” Hurdle said. “He finds out the night before if he’s in the lineup or not, and he prepares for the day.”

On the heels of a pinch-hit home run Friday, Moran made back-to-back starts at third base this past weekend and responded with a pair of RBIs to improve his season batting average to .308. That success carried over into Wednesday’s game.

With the ability to use a designated hitter during the series in an American League park, Hurdle was afforded the luxury in Detroit of finding at-bats for both Kang and Moran.

Adam Frazier led off the 10th with a double off Buck Farmer (1-1), and Starling Marte followed with a single, setting up Moran for the late-inning heroics. Moran fouled off the first changeup he saw from Farmer, but squared up on the second one, sending it back up the gut to score Frazier.

“Colin puts in a lot of hard work. He’s a student of the game,” said Pirates starter Trevor Williams, who threw his fourth consecutive quality start in Wednesday's matchup. “He watches a lot of the game. Not only of the other pitchers, but video of his swing to make sure it’s dialed in. And when it’s dialed in, it’s really fun to watch.”