PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates secured a 2-0 shutout against the Arizona Diamondbacks at PNC Park on July 26, propelled by a crucial home run from center fielder Oneil Cruz. This win evened the series after the Pirates had fallen 1-0 in extra innings during the opener.
With this victory, the Pirates improved to 43-62 overall and 30-25 at home, while the Diamondbacks slipped to 51-54 overall and 25-26 on the road. The game’s start was delayed by 40 minutes, pushed from 6:40 p.m. to 7:20 p.m., despite no rainfall at the stadium.
Early Game Details: Pham’s Error and Cruz’s Long Ball
The Pirates first got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the second inning when left fielder Tommy Pham reached base safely due to a fielding error by Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suárez. Following this, Oneil Cruz connected with a 91.4 mph cutter pitch, sending the ball soaring 410 feet into the center field seats. This powerful hit gave the Pirates a 2-0 lead.
This home run marked Cruz’s first since July 8 against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium and broke a home run drought at PNC Park that dated back to a two-homer game he had against the New York Mets on June 29.
Mid-Game Plays and Efforts from Both Teams
The Pirates’ offense continued in the fourth inning as Pham led off with a single. Catcher Joey Bart followed with a two-out double, although second baseman Liover Peguero’s groundout concluded the threat without additional runs. Arizona adjusted mid-game, trading right fielder Randal Grichuk to the Kansas City Royals, which prompted Corbin Carroll to shift from center to right field, while Jorge Barrosa took over in center.
From the mound, Pirates left-hander Andrew Heaney delivered an impressive performance. Heaney tallied five scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and striking out four over 71 pitches. This outing was Heaney’s 20th start of the season and may be his last before the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB Trade Deadline on July 31.
Relief Pitchers Maintain Lead Through Pressure
Entering relief in the sixth inning, left-hander Génesis Cabrera induced two groundouts but allowed a single to Diamondbacks left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Right-hander Yohan Ramírez followed, giving up a single to Eugenio Suárez before striking out Jorge Barrosa to escape further damage that inning.
The Pirates threatened again in the seventh when Joey Bart walked and Liover Peguero singled, putting two runners on base. However, Isiah Kiner-Falefa grounded into a fielder‘s choice and Spencer Horwitz struck out, ending that scoring opportunity.
Strong Bullpen Performance Secures the Win
Pittsburgh’s bullpen continued to shine, with left-hander Caleb Ferguson delivering a scoreless seventh inning, followed by right-hander Dennis Santana’s clean eighth inning. Closer David Bednar closed out the game in the ninth, securing his 16th save in 16 opportunities and reaching a milestone 100 career saves.
Looking Ahead: Pirates Aim to Clinch Series with Paul Skenes
The Pirates will aim to capture the series victory against the Diamondbacks in the finale on July 27. All-Star pitcher Paul Skenes is slated to start, with the first pitch scheduled for 1:35 p.m. at PNC Park. This game offers the Pirates a chance to build momentum as they continue their season.
“That marked his first home run since July 8 against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium and his first home run at PNC Park since a two-home run day against the New York Mets on June 29.”
—Dominic, Sports Writer
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What surgery did Oneil Cruz have?
A. Greg Altman and Dr. Darren Frank treated Cruz’s broken left fibula and fixed a nearby joint injury tied by ligaments near the ankle. Manager Derek Shelton was somewhat relieved that the injury was only around the ankle and didn’t involve other parts of the left leg.
Q. What was Oneil Cruz’s injury?
A. Cruz is going to the injured list because he broke his right foot. Oneil Cruz has not played much this season, and now he is officially on the injured list. Known as MLB.com’s 91st best prospect, he got hurt with Class A Advanced Bradenton on Saturday night.