Pirates Recap: Cruz’s Thunderous Blast First of Back-to-Back Homers

Consecutive blasts from the heart of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ lineup proved to be the difference in their 7-6 win over the Toronto Blue Jays at LECOM Park on Wednesday afternoon. Oneil Cruz and Joey Bart hit back-to-back home runs for a four-run frame to propel the Pirates to victory.

With two runners on and two outs, Cruz connected on a 2-2 changeup left over the plate and demolished it to straightaway center field. The sound of the bat connecting with Cruz’s mighty swing could probably be heard from the Blue Jays’ spring training facility in Dunedin.

And now, it's Joey Bart's turn! pic.twitter.com/afRZVYlIlx

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) March 5, 2025

Bart followed Cruz, and four pitches later, lined a solo shot to center to extend the Pirates’ lead to 5-1. It was Bart’s second homer in as many games played.

And now, it's Joey Bart's turn! pic.twitter.com/afRZVYlIlx

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) March 5, 2025

Both players are off to strong starts so far this spring. After reaching base in all three of his plate appearances in Wednesday’s win, Cruz is slashing .250/.438/.750 with two homers, five RBIs and three steals in five games.

Bart, meanwhile, is carrying an excellent .364/.467/.909 batting line with a pair of home runs and six RBIs, which ranks second on the team.

Keller Works Around Walks

Mitch Keller got the start for the Pirates and held Toronto to just one run despite walking three batters in 3.2 innings pitched. The Pirates’ right-hander only allowed one hit — a solo home run to Alejandro Kirk — and struck out three. His spring ERA is now 1.04.

Notable Pirates Performances

• Oneil Cruz: 1 for 1, one home run, three RBIs, two runs, three RBIs, two walks, one steal
• Joey Bart: 2 for 3, one home run, one RBI, one run
• Mitch Keller: 3.2 innings, one hit, one run, three walks, three strikeouts
• Joey Wentz: 2.0 innings, five hits, four runs, one walk, three strikeouts

Up next, the Pirates will head to Sarasota to face the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday night. First pitch is 6:05 ET.