Cruz Clutch Again, Keller’s Gem Doesn’t Go to Waste in Pirates’ Win Over Brewers

PITTSBURGH — In search of his first win since his first start of the season, Mitch Keller held the Milwaukee Brewers to one run in 6.0 innings.

Though he received a no-decision, Oneil Cruz again came up clutch again to lift the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 2-1 win at PNC Park on Saturday.

How We Got There

The Pirates (19-34) struck against Quinn Priester in the bottom of the first inning when Spencer Horwitz doubled home Bryan Reynolds with two outs. 

The Brewers (25-28) quickly answered in the top of the second on Caleb Durbin’s RBI single up the middle. 

After Durbin’s RBI, Keller held the Brewers scoreless over the rest of his outing, thanks in part to seven strikeouts —  the second-most he’s had in a start this season.

With two outs in the bottom of the seventh, Cruz ripped a triple into the right-center gap, allowing Isiah Kiner-Falefa to score easily from second base.

Oneil Cruz rips a 114.3 MPH triple into the gap to put the @Pirates ahead! pic.twitter.com/79npWrCTKa

— MLB (@MLB) May 24, 2025

David Bednar sealed the win with his fifth save of the season.

Key Moment

The Brewers loaded the bases with one out in the top of the seventh. Second baseman Adam Frazier fielded a grounder, spun, and fired home for the second out. Chase Shugart (3-3), who relieved Caleb Ferguson, got Jackson Chourio to fly out to right on a 2-0 pitch. 

Star of the Game

Mitch Keller delivered another performance worthy of a win. It was, however, the first time the Pirates won one of his starts since Apr. 9 against the Cardinals.

Notable Performances

• Mitch Keller: 6.0 innings, seven hits, one run, no walks, seven strikeouts, 92 pitches/64 strikes
• Oneil Cruz: 2 for 4, one triple, one RBI
• Spencer Horwitz: 2 for 4, two doubles, one RBI

Stat to Know

Mitch Keller has a 2.98 ERA (18er/54.1ip) over his last nine starts but an 0-5 record. After winning this one, the Pirates are just 2-7 during that stretch. 

Noteworthy

• One Cruz’s triple was his first of the season and first since last year on Aug. 20 against Texas.
• With a second-inning single, Adam Frazier reached base safely in seven-straight plate appearances dating back to Thursday’s game.

Up Next

The Pirates and Brewers will wrap up their four-game series on Sunday afternoon. LHP Bailey Falter (3-3, 3.50 ERA) brings a streak of 16.2-straight scoreless innings into his start for the Pirates. RHP Logan Henderson (3-0, 1.69 ERA) will make his fourth-career start for Milwaukee. First pitch: 1:35 p.m. ET.