The Pittsburgh Pirates’ losing streak was taking its toll, evident in their body language. However, Jared Jones brought a positive change by turning the tables on the Milwaukee Brewers.
This 22-year-old rookie right-hander radiated confidence as he took the mound. In the first inning, he unleashed eight fastballs that reached triple digits. Jones’ slider also proved devastating, causing a batter’s knees to buckle in the third inning.
Jones’ impressive performance resulted in seven strikeouts. The Pirates, who had been struggling offensively with only eight runs during their losing streak, finally snapped a six-game skid by defeating the Brewers 4-2.
To ignite their offense, Pirates manager Derek Shelton shuffled the batting order, placing Andrew McCutchen in the leadoff spot for the first time this season. McCutchen responded with a home run in the first inning, his second of the season. Oneil Cruz also emerged from a slump, going 3 for 4 with a single, a double, and a two-run single.
Jones’ outstanding outing featured 25 swinging strikes, matching the most by a Pirates pitcher since pitch data started being tracked in 2008. His dominance continued into the third inning when a sharp-breaking slider caused Brice Turang to lose his balance and fall backward onto home plate.
The Brewers threatened in the sixth inning, loading the bases against Jones. However, the Pirates pitcher escaped unscathed, snaring a comebacker for the final out.
In the sixth inning, the Pirates seized their scoring opportunities. After Ke’Bryan Hayes singled, Connor Joe pinch-hit and singled to drive in Hayes. Michael A. Taylor’s sacrifice bunt put runners in scoring position, and Cruz followed with a two-run single to extend the Pirates’ lead to 4-1.
The Pirates held on to their lead, with Aroldis Chapman striking out the side in the eighth inning and David Bednar recording the save in the ninth. This victory was a much-needed boost for the Pirates, who had been struggling to find a rhythm.
