Oneil Cruz broke out of a slump with three hits, including a two-run single that capped a three-run sixth inning, as the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 4-2 on Monday night.
Cruz’s hit came off Milwaukee reliever Jake McGee with two outs and runners on first and second. It gave the Pirates a 4-1 lead and proved to be the game-winning hit.
Jared Jones allowed one run on four hits and two walks in six innings to earn the win for Pittsburgh. He struck out seven batters.
Joe Ross took the loss for Milwaukee, allowing two runs on six hits in 5 1/3 innings. He struck out six and walked one.
The Pirates, who had lost six straight games, got off to a good start when Andrew McCutchen led off the game with a home run. Milwaukee tied the game in the fifth inning on a home run by Rhys Hoskins, but the Pirates took the lead for good in the sixth.
David Bednar pitched a scoreless ninth inning to earn his third save of the season.
