Bubba Chandler Leads Pirates to Victory Over Rays with Oneil Cruz's Home Run
Chandler Shines Bright in Pirates Win Over Rays; Cruzβs Impressive Breaks Tie
Yahoo! NewsImage: Yahoo! News
The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 5-1 at PNC Park, ending the Rays' six-game winning streak. Bubba Chandler excelled on the mound, allowing only one run in six innings, while Oneil Cruz hit a crucial two-run home run to secure the win for the Pirates.
- 01Bubba Chandler pitched six innings, allowing one run and earning his first win of the season.
- 02Oneil Cruz hit a two-run home run that broke a tie in the sixth inning.
- 03Spencer Horwitz continued his strong performance against Rays pitcher Nick Martinez, going 3 for 3.
- 04Brandon Lowe contributed with two doubles and two RBIs.
- 05The Pirates debuted their new City Connect uniforms during the game.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
In a decisive 5-1 victory, the Pittsburgh Pirates (12-8) halted the Tampa Bay Rays' (11-8) six-game winning streak at PNC Park. Bubba Chandler (1-1) shone on the mound, pitching six innings with just one run allowed and tying his career-high for innings pitched. The game was tied at 1-1 until Oneil Cruz launched a two-run home run over the Clemente Wall in the sixth inning, giving the Pirates a 3-1 lead. Brandon Lowe added two more runs with a double in the eighth inning. Spencer Horwitz's impressive performance continued as he went 3 for 3 with an RBI, maintaining a perfect record against Rays pitcher Nick Martinez. The Pirates also celebrated the launch of their new City Connect uniforms, with former pitcher A.J. Burnett throwing out the first pitch and Paul Skenes receiving his 2025 National League Cy Young award before the game. The series continues with Skenes starting for the Pirates in the next game against Drew Rasmussen of the Rays.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The Pirates' victory boosts their standing in the league and enhances local fan morale, especially with the debut of new uniforms.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
How do you feel about the Pirates' chances this season after the recent win?
Connecting to poll...
More about Pittsburgh Pirates
Spencer Horwitz Extends Perfect Record Against Nick Martinez in Pirates' Victory
Yahoo! News β’ Apr 18, 2026
Cleveland Guardians Pitcher Tanner Bibee Joins MLB Gender Reveal Trend
Yahoo! News β’ Apr 18, 2026

Konnor Griffin: The 19-Year-Old Rookie Making Waves with the Pittsburgh Pirates
Espn β’ Apr 17, 2026
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.


