Oneil Cruz broke out of a slump in a big way on Monday night, going 3-for-4 with a two-run single in the sixth inning that proved to be the game-winning hit as the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 4-2.
Jared Jones was also impressive on the mound for the Pirates, allowing just one run on four hits and two walks over six innings of work. The 22-year-old rookie struck out seven batters and has now recorded at least seven strikeouts in each of his five starts this season.
The win snapped a six-game losing streak for the Pirates, who had been outscored 36-9 in back-to-back three-game sweeps by the Mets and Red Sox. The Brewers, meanwhile, saw their four-game winning streak come to an end.
Andrew McCutchen led off the game for the Pirates with a solo home run, his first of three hits on the night. He also recorded his 1,000th career single in the majors in the third inning.
Rhys Hoskins homered off Jones leading off the fifth inning for the Brewers, but the Pirates bullpen was able to shut down the Milwaukee offense from that point on. David Bednar picked up his third save of the season, allowing only an infield hit in the ninth inning.
In a scary moment during batting practice, Brewers right-hander Jakob Junis was struck in the neck by a line drive off the bat of Pirates infielder Alika Williams. Junis was taken to a hospital but was said to be “conscious, alert and responsive” in a joint statement from the teams.
The Pirates and Brewers will continue their four-game series on Tuesday night. Bailey Falter will start for the Pirates, while the Brewers have yet to announce their starter.
