The Pirates fell to the Brewers 9-3 on June 24, 2025, but the real story was Oneil Cruz's benching for not hustling. Will he be back in the lineup?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Some losses sting more than others, and Tuesday night's 9-3 drubbing at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers left a particularly bitter taste. It wasn't just the lopsided score or Andrew Heaney's rough outing; it was a moment in the seventh inning that spoke volumes. When shortstop Oneil Cruz was pulled from the game for failing to run out a ground ball, it crystallized the frustration of a night where both effort and execution were sorely lacking for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
DK had all the rights to do what he did, and I'll back him up on that.
The flashpoint of the evening came when Oneil Cruz hit into a double-play grounder and jogged to first. Manager Don Kelly promptly removed him from the game, citing 'energy and effort going down the line.' While Cruz later explained he lost track of the outs, he didn't make excuses. His public acceptance of responsibility was a crucial step, but the incident raises questions about the team's focus. Kelly's decision sends a clear message: mental lapses and a lack of hustle won't be tolerated, regardless of who you are. All eyes will be on Wednesday's lineup card to see if Cruz returns.
The Cruz drama unfolded against the backdrop of a game that was already slipping away. Starter Andrew Heaney couldn't find his rhythm, surrendering seven runs in just four innings as the Brewers' bats came alive. Joey Ortiz tormented Pirates pitching with two home runs, and Caleb Durbin's three-run shot put the game out of reach. The Pirates' biggest regret will be the second inning, where they loaded the bases with no outs but came away empty-handed after a fielder's choice and a strikeout—a squandered opportunity that completely shifted the game's momentum.
Despite the team's struggles, a few players continued to shine. Nick Gonzales provided the only offense with a three-run homer in the sixth, staying red-hot after his five-hit performance the night before. Meanwhile, the ever-reliable Bryan Reynolds extended his hitting streak to three games, solidifying his role as the team's leading run producer with 39 RBIs. Hope also shined brightly down on the farm, as No. 5 prospect Hunter Barco delivered a masterful performance for Triple-A Indianapolis, striking out six over six scoreless innings and inching closer to a potential big-league call-up.
The Pirates have a chance to wash away the bad taste of Tuesday's loss in Wednesday's rubber match. The good news? They're sending ace-in-the-making Paul Skenes to the mound against Milwaukee's Jacob Misiorowski in what promises to be an electric pitching duel. But the real test will be how the team responds to a night of frustration and a clear message from the manager. A win to take the series would go a long way in proving that the lessons from this tough loss have been learned.
