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Cruz, McCutchen Back Jones’ Strong Start; Pirates Snap Losing Streak With Win Over Brewers

Originally posted on Pittsburgh Baseball Now
By Danny Demilio | Last updated 4/22/24

Oneil Cruz and Andrew McCutchen made sure Jared Jones was rewarded for another spectacular outing.

Cruz collected three hits and drove in a pair while McCutchen hit a leadoff homer as part of a three-hit performance in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 4-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park on Monday night. The win put an end to the Pirates’ six-game losing streak.

Jones (2-2) allowed a solo home run to Rhys Hoskins to open the fifth inning but kept the Brewers in check outside of that.

The only real trouble Jones ran into was in the sixth inning when Milwaukee (14-7) loaded the bases with two outs. The rookie right-hander was able to retire Blake Perkins to end the threat on his 91st pitch of the game, which is a career-high.

Jones allowed four hits and walked a pair in six innings pitched. His season ERA now sits at a very respectable 2.79.

McCutchen was atop the Pirates’ lineup for the first time this season and greeted Brewers starter Joe Ross (1-2) with a 414-foot home run to center.

Cutch starts it off! pic.twitter.com/qZhmeBLVco

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) April 22, 2024

It was McCutchen’s 11th-career leadoff homer with the Pirates, which puts him second behind Barry Bonds in franchise history.

The Pirates (12-11) had runners on first and second with one out in the sixth with the scored tied 1-1. Jack Suwinski grounded one to first baseman Jake Bauers, who delivered an errant toss to covering pitcher Hoby Milner, which allowed Hayes to score from second base.

Cruz then stepped to the plate against the left-handed Milner and delivered a two-run single the other way for his third hit in as many at-bats. Cruz’s knock put the Pirates ahead 4-1.

Four runs in the game marked the most in a game for the Pirates since defeating the Phillies 9-2 last Sunday.

Aroldis Chapman struck out the first batter he faced in the eighth but proceeded to walk the next three batters he faced. Hunter Stratton was tasked with wiggling out of the jam and limited the Brewers to one run.

David Bednar closed out the win for his third save of the season.

Up Next:

The Pirates and Brewers will continue this four-game series on Tuesday night. Bailey Falter (1-1, 4.05 ERA) has made three-straight solid starts and will look to make it four in a row. Veteran lefty Wade Miley was supposed to start for Milwaukee but was placed on the 15-day injured list. First pitch: 6:40 ET.

This article first appeared on Pittsburgh Baseball Now and was syndicated with permission.

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