Oneil Cruz started Friday night’s contest immediately with a bang for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Cruz wasted no time on the first pitch of the night from Cleveland Guardians starter Luis L. Ortiz. The 96 MPH fastball tailed well off the plate away from the Pirates’ leadoff man, but Cruz still got the barrel of the bat extended with just enough to slap it over the wall in the left field corner.
You can watch Cruz’s solo shot here.
The Pirates outfielder slugged his fifth home run of the season while he entered play leading MLB with nine stolen bases. He’s well on his way in 2025 to joining an elite power-speed club in Pittsburgh’s franchise history.
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