BIG WIN;’ Cruz and Tellez homers help the Pirates defeat the Braves 4-2…
In a thrilling matchup at Truist Park, the Pittsburgh Pirates secured a significant 4-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves, with key contributions from Oneil Cruz and Rowdy Tellez. This win marks an important moment for the Pirates as they look to build momentum in the season.
Early Inning Action
The game started with a promising offensive showing from the Braves. In the bottom of the first inning, Ronald Acuña Jr. led off with a single, followed by a walk to Ozzie Albies. Matt Olson then drove in Acuña with a double to left-center field, putting the Braves ahead 1-0. However, Pirates starter Mitch Keller managed to escape further damage by striking out Austin Riley and getting Marcell Ozuna to ground out.
Pirates Respond
The Pirates responded quickly in the top of the second inning. After two quick outs, Rowdy Tellez stepped up to the plate. Facing a 2-2 count, Tellez launched a towering home run to right field, tying the game at 1-1. This was Tellez’s 15th home run of the season, showcasing his power and ability to come through in crucial moments.
Pitchers’ Duel
Following the early scoring, both Keller and Braves starter Max Fried settled into a groove. Keller, who has been a bright spot in the Pirates’ rotation, mixed his pitches effectively, keeping the Braves’ hitters off balance. Fried, equally impressive, utilized his curveball and changeup to induce weak contact from the Pirates’ lineup.
In the fourth inning, the Braves managed to threaten again. With two outs, Michael Harris II singled and stole second base, putting himself in scoring position. Acuña Jr. then drew a walk, bringing Albies to the plate. However, Keller induced a ground ball to shortstop, ending the inning and maintaining the tie.
Breaking the Deadlock
The game remained knotted at 1-1 until the top of the sixth inning. After Bryan Reynolds doubled to lead off the inning, the Braves decided to intentionally walk Tellez with two outs, opting to pitch to Oneil Cruz. The decision backfired as Cruz, who has been a revelation for the Pirates this season, crushed a 1-0 fastball over the center field fence for a three-run homer. The blast gave the Pirates a 4-1 lead and showcased Cruz’s immense talent and potential as a cornerstone player for Pittsburgh.
Braves’ Late Rally
The Braves attempted a comeback in the bottom of the eighth inning. With Keller still on the mound, Albies singled to start the frame. Olson followed with a walk, prompting Pirates manager Derek Shelton to make a pitching change, bringing in reliever Colin Holderman. Holderman struck out Riley but then allowed a single to Ozuna, loading the bases with one out.
With the pressure mounting, Shelton turned to closer David Bednar for a five-out save. Bednar induced a sacrifice fly from Harris II, scoring Albies and cutting the lead to 4-2. However, Bednar struck out Eddie Rosario to end the inning, preserving the Pirates’ two-run lead.
Closing it Out
In the bottom of the ninth, Bednar returned to the mound to close out the game. He struck out Sean Murphy and Orlando Arcia, bringing Acuña Jr. to the plate as the Braves’ final hope. Acuña, who had been a thorn in the Pirates’ side all game, worked a full count but ultimately grounded out to second base, sealing the Pirates’ 4-2 victory.
Key Takeaways
The win was a testament to the Pirates’ resilience and ability to capitalize on key moments. Mitch Keller’s strong performance, coupled with the timely hitting of Tellez and Cruz, proved to be the difference. Keller’s final line was impressive: seven innings pitched, one run allowed on five hits, three walks, and seven strikeouts.
For the Braves, Max Fried’s solid outing was overshadowed by the bullpen’s inability to contain the Pirates’ offense. Fried finished with six innings pitched, allowing four runs on six hits, with two walks and eight strikeouts.
Looking Ahead
This victory is a morale booster for the Pirates as they aim to climb the standings in the competitive National League Central. The contributions from emerging stars like Oneil Cruz and the steady presence of veterans like Rowdy Tellez indicate a bright future for Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, the Braves will need to regroup and address their bullpen issues as they continue their pursuit of the National League East title.
As the season progresses, performances like this will be crucial for the Pirates, who are looking to establish themselves as a formidable team. With the right mix of young talent and experienced players, Pittsburgh fans have plenty to be excited about.