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Oneil Cruz's 3-run homer off top of foul pole powers Pirates to 8-4 win over Rangers
TL;DR
Oneil Cruz hit a three-run homer off the foul pole, leading the Pirates to an 8-4 victory over the Rangers. This homer was the hardest-hit in the majors this season, at 116.9 mph.
Key points
- Oneil Cruz hit a three-run homer off the foul pole
- Pirates won 8-4 against the Texas Rangers
- Cruz's homer was hardest-hit in the majors this season
- Bryan Reynolds recorded his 500th career RBI
- Gregory Soto earned his first win as a Pirate
Oneil CruzPittsburgh PiratesTexas RangersBryan Reynolds
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Oneil Cruz had the hardest-hit homer in the majors this season, a three-run shot off the top of the right-field foul pole in the ninth inning that powered the Pittsburgh Pirates to an 8-4 win over the Texas Rangers on Wednesday night.
The Pirates took a 5-4 lead in the ninth when Nick Gonzales broke for the plate on pinch-hitter Jake Mangum's one-out chopper to third base off Cole Winn (1-1). Josh Jung’s throw home pulled catcher Kyle Higashioka into foul territory, and Higashioka could not make the tag.
Cruz followed with his 116.9 mph liner that bounced off the top of the foul pole and into the stands. It was the second hardest-hit ball in the history of Globe Life Field, which opened in 2020.
Pittsburgh's big ninth gave Gregory Soto (1-0) his first win as a Pirate, following his first blown save. The lefty reliever allowed Jake Burger's two-run single in the eighth that tied the score at 4-all. Dennis Santana pitched a perfect ninth for his third save in four opportunities.
Bryan Reynolds’ fifth-inning single, which produced his 500th career RBI, was part of a three-run frame that gave the Pirates a 4-2 lead. Reynolds is tied with Bobby Bonilla for the most RBIs by a Pirates switch-hitter. He also scored Pittsburgh’s first run on ’s first-inning double.
Q&A
What was the significance of Oneil Cruz's home run against the Rangers?
Oneil Cruz's home run was significant as it was the hardest-hit homer in the majors this season and helped the Pirates secure an 8-4 win.
How did the Pirates take the lead in the ninth inning against the Rangers?
The Pirates took the lead in the ninth inning when Nick Gonzales scored on a play that involved a throwing error by Josh Jung, followed by Cruz's three-run homer.
What milestone did Bryan Reynolds achieve during the game?
Bryan Reynolds achieved his 500th career RBI during the game with a single in the fifth inning.