Pirates Pummel Boston 10-3; Cruz Hits First Home Run in 4 Weeks
The Pittsburgh Pirates dominated the Red Sox 10-3 at Fenway Park on Saturday, Aug. 30, taking the series behind 12 hits and seven walks. Right-handed starter Johan Oviedo put together his longest start since returning from the injured list. Although he allowed six base runners, Oviedo still managed to make it through five innings on an economical 79 pitches.
After Tommy Pham put Pittsburgh ahead 1-0 on a first inning sacrifice fly, the Red Sox battled back to take a 2-1 lead. The Pirates scored eight runs across the fifth and sixth innings, including a 426-foot home run from Oneil Cruz to deep center field that still managed to clear the Green Monster.
Key Moment
Trailing 2-1 in the fifth inning, the Pirates loaded the bases with no outs. They capitalized on the play with RBI singles from Bryan Reynolds and Tommy Pham, pushing ahead 4-2 before a double play ball slowed the rally.
Star of the Game
Bryan Reynolds, who plated three runs and got on base four times.
Notable Pirates Performances
- Bryan Reynolds: 1-for-2 with three walks
- Oneil Cruz: 1-for-5 with a home run
- Johan Oviedo: 5 IP, 2 ER, 6 K’s, 79 pitches (48 strikes)
- Spencer Horwitz: 2-for-4 with a walk
Stat to Know
With a 14-14 record heading into the last day of August, the Pirates have a chance to finish the month with a winning record. The only other time they achieved that feat this season was during the month of June.
Noteworthy
- Oneil Cruz’s sixth-inning home run marked his first since Aug. 1.
- The Pirates placed outfielder Ronny Simon on the 10-day injured list with a dislocated left shoulder. In a corresponding move, they recalled trade deadline acquisition Cam Devanney from Triple-A Indianapolis.
Up Next
The Pirates will play for a series sweep at Fenway Park beginning at 1:35 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 31. They’ll send right-hander Mitch Keller (6-12, 4.35 ERA, 125 K’s) to the mound against Red Sox’ righty Lucas Giolito (9-2, 3.47 ERA, 99 K’s).
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