Oneil Cruz Continues Home Run Frenzy in Pirates’ Win Over Braves

Oneil Cruz slugged his fourth home run in his last three games for the Pittsburgh Pirates in their 5-1 win over the Atlanta Braves at LECOM Park on Tuesday afternoon.

Cruz’s leadoff blast in the bottom of the first inning broke a scoreless tie. It was one of three home runs for the Pirates (7-10-1) on the day.

The guy can hit. pic.twitter.com/YbRWNlOlBl

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) March 12, 2024

After the Braves (8-8-2) tied the game 1-1 in the fourth on a Jarred Kelenic RBI-fielder’s choice, Jack Suwinski put the Pirates back ahead with a solo homer to right field in the sixth.

Later in the inning, Billy McKinney provided plenty of insurance with a single swing. McKinney connected on a three-run home run to center to put Pittsburgh up 5-1.

Six different Pirates’ pitchers limited Atlanta to just two hits. Josh Fleming (1-0) was credited with the win with two-scoreless innings out of the bullpen.

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES

• Jack Suwinski finished the afternoon 2 for 3 with a homer, a double and stolen base. Billy McKinney went 1 for 2 with his three-run homer and drew a walk. He’s reached base safely in all 12 games he played in this spring.
• In addition to his home run, Oneil Cruz drew a walk. He now has a 1.340 OPS this spring. Jared Triolo went 1 for 2 with a walk and a run scored.
• Chase Anderson, in his first start of the spring, threw three-perfect innings and picked up a strikeout.
• As of the conclusion of the game, the Pirates lead baseball with 34 home runs during spring training. The Baltimore Orioles are second (29).

UP NEXT

The Pittsburgh Pirates will take a trip to Dunedin to face the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday. Roansy Contreras will be on the mound for the Pirates as he looks to try and earn a spot in the opening day rotation. Veteran righty Chris Bassitt will pitch for the Blue Jays. First pitch: 1:07 ET.