Coming out of a disappointing six-game losing streak, the Pittsburgh Pirates put an impressive performance to beat the Milwaukee Brewers 4-2, ending the Brewers’ four-game winning run. Oneil Cruz, the 6’7 shortstop, played a crucial role by securing three hits, one of which was a two-run single that sealed the victory in the sixth inning. He had been struggling lately, going 4 for 44 in his previous 12 games. Jared Jones, the rookie who started on the mound for the Pirates, also made his mark by allowing only one run in six innings. Adding to his achievement, he struck out seven batters, making him the fourth pitcher since 1893 to achieve at least seven strikeouts in his first five starts. He joined the ranks of Masahiro Tanaka, Stephen Strasburg, and José DeLeón in this impressive feat.
Andrew McCutchen, a veteran outfielder, led the Pirates by hitting a homerun in the first inning, marking his first of three hits that night. He also celebrated a milestone by securing his 1,000th single in his 1,473 games with the Pirates.
However, the Brewers faced a setback when their starting pitcher, Joe Ross, gave up two runs on six hits. Pirates’ relief pitcher, Aroldis Chapman, loaded the bases with three straight walks, but Hunter Stratton’s timely intervention limited the damage to only one run.
The Pirates are hoping to build on this victory as they face the Brewers again in the second game of their four-game series on Tuesday, with Bailey Falter taking the mound for Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, the Brewers have yet to announce their starting pitcher.
