PITTSBURGH — He didn't try to deny it. He didn't try to fight it. He admitted it.

Freddy Sanchez felt the pressure. Then he beat it.

Sanchez had two singles in four at-bats during the Pirates' final game Sunday at PNCPark, a 1-0 win over Cincinnati, lifting his average to .344 and winning the National League batting title.

Florida's Miguel Cabrera finished second in the race with a .339 average and was taken out of the Marlins' final game after going 0-for-2.

"That first hit today was a real relief," the 28-year-old Sanchez said. "I wasn't thinking about it (batting title) all year, then it came down to these last couple of games ... Whether you want to think about it or not, it's still pressure on you.

"I didn't want it or need it, but it was there."

Sanchez had gone 0-for-4 Saturday night against Cincinnati ace Bronson Arroyo.

"I didn't have much fun at the plate that night,"he said. "This is still a game and you play your best when you're having fun."

Before Sunday's game, Sanchez spent some extra time in the indoor batting cage. He played ping-pong in the clubhouse just before the start of the game to relax.

He had clubhouse workers keep him updated on his NFLfantasy football team during the game to keep him relaxed.

"It all worked,"Sanchez said. "It took my mind off things."

The Pirates held a brief ceremony on the field after the game to honor Sanchez. Club CEOKevin McClatchy presented him with an engraved Rolex watch to commemorate the occasion.

His Pirates teammates applauded and took turns embracing Sanchez during the ceremony.

"Freddy Sanchez is a perfect example of perseverance and patience,"Pirates broadcaster Lanny Frattare said. "He's a sensitive, caring individual who deserves all of this."

Pirates General Manager Dave Littlefield agreed.

"He epitomizes the type of player we're trying to put on the field representing the Pirates and the city of Pittsburgh,"Littlefield said.

Sanchez became the first Pirate to win a batting title since Bill Madlock in 1983. His .344 average is the highest by a Pirate player since Roberto Clemente hit .345 in 1969.

In 120 seasons, Paul Waner is the only Pirate to hit more doubles than Sanchez's National League-leading 53 this season.

"All of the names of the players who have done this, not just Pirates, but everybody — it's an honor to win a batting title,"Sanchez said. "Being mentioned with guys like Roberto Clemente, Bill Madlock ... That just hasn't sunk in yet."

Sanchez credited his teammates for helping him succeed this season: Jack Wilson for moving runners into scoring position for him, Jason Bay for telling him not to take pitches he didn't want to while batting in front of him in the lineup.

"That blew me away,"Sanchez said. "Here's an All-Star, a Rookie of the Year, telling me that he'll take pitches to work the pitch count so I can go up there swinging."

Pirates manager Jim Tracy smiled as he listened to Sanchez's comments.

"He's calling his teammates unselfish, and they are, but Freddy Sanchez is one of the most unselfish players I've ever been around,"Tracy said. "We played a lot of games down the stretch against teams that had a lot at stake.

"Freddy was trying to win a batting title, but didn't hesitate to hit behind a runner to move him up. giving up at bats. That kid is all about winning first. He's a talented overachiever and this accomplishment should have an asterisk, it's so amazing."

Sanchez began this season as a utility player and did not become a regular until third baseman Joe Randa went on the disabled list with a foot injury in late May.

"I was going to be the guy to fill in a little bit here, play a little bit there,"Sanchez said. "The circumstances surrounding this, I mean, who would have ever thought?That's what makes it so special."

Sanchez may never win another batting title, but Tracy won't bet against him.

"It doesn't matter," the manager said. "It's safe to assume that guy will be a very good player here for quite a while, because he can really hit."

• 1983 — The last time a Pittsburgh Pirate (Bill Madlock) won a batting title• .344 — Sanchez's final batting average and the highest average by a Pirate since Roberto Clemente hit .345 in 1969• 53 — Amount of doubles hit by Sanchez this season and a club record for right-handed hitters. Paul Waner (62 in 1932) is the only other player to hit more doubles in a Pirate season.• 200 — Sanchez's number of hits this year, becoming the second Pirate since 1977 (Jack Wilson in 2004) to reach that total• 25 — Number of batting titles won by the Pirates, the most of any major league team• .300 — Minimum batting average Sanchez reached in every month this season• .442 — Sanchez's batting average against left-handers this season, tops in the National League• .386 — Sanchez's batting average in home games this season, tops in the major leagues• .388 — Sanchez's average with runners in scoring position this season, second in the National League (Albert Pujols-.397)