Cruz Two-Run Homer, Chandler Fuels Pirates’ 5-1 Win vs Rays

Friday night’s matchup saw the Pittsburgh Pirates snap the Tampa Bay Rays’ six-game winning streak with a 5-1 win. Pittsburgh jumped ahead early, thanks to a two-run homer from Oneil Cruz and a second-inning burst that set the mood.

Pirates snap Rays’ six-game win streak behind Cruz and Lowe

Pittsburgh’s bats and arms both showed up—timely hits, steady pitching, and a sense that the Pirates just weren’t going to let this one slip away. Bubba Chandler (1-1) worked six strong innings, giving up only one run and three hits. He didn’t walk anyone, struck out a handful, and looked in control the whole way.

After Chandler, Mason Montgomery, Gregory Soto, and Dennis Santana locked things down for three clean innings. Tampa Bay couldn’t find a way through the bullpen, and that was that.

On offense, Oneil Cruz smashed a two-run shot. Brandon Lowe had himself a night too, going 3-for-5 with two doubles and driving in two runs. Lowe’s big swings in the middle of the lineup made a difference, especially in a game that felt tight early on.

Key performances and turning points

• Oneil Cruz launched a two-run homer, showing off the Pirates’ power and giving them a cushion right away.
• Brandon Lowe collected three hits, including two doubles, and knocked in two runs. He kept the offense moving.
• The bullpen—Mason Montgomery, Gregory Soto, and Dennis Santana—tossed three scoreless innings to close the door.
• Out in left, Chandler Simpson made a wild throw that, somehow, helped cut down a Rays scoring chance. Sometimes you need a little chaos on defense.

For Tampa Bay, Nick Martinez (0-1) gave up two runs on eight hits over 5 1/3 innings. He walked three, struck out three, and just didn’t get enough run support.

The Rays got their only run when Simmons singled, moved up on a wild pitch, and scored on Junior Caminero’s single. After that, Pittsburgh’s defense and relief arms slammed the door.

Pittsburgh’s second-inning outbursts have become a thing—this season, they’ve outscored opponents 23-1 in that frame. That’s the best run gap for any team in a single inning all year. On Friday, it was more of the same as the Pirates set the tone early against a Rays team that had been rolling.

Before the game, the Pirates took a moment to honor Paul Skenes, who picked up the 2025 National League Cy Young Award. He posted a 1.97 ERA and 216 strikeouts over 187 2/3 innings last season. That’s a huge deal—maybe a sign of bigger things ahead for a club that’s betting on its young core.

Pitching notes and what to watch

The Rays had their own bright spots, especially with Nick Martinez on the mound. He took the loss after giving up two runs over 5 1/3 innings on eight hits, with three walks and three strikeouts.

Tampa Bay’s offense managed just one run until late in the game. The bullpen couldn’t really find the same rhythm that had fueled their six-game winning streak.

Looking ahead, the Pirates’ evening carried a sense of momentum into the weekend. Paul Skenes — now the Cy Young honoree in the club’s history — is slated to start in game two against Drew Rasmussen (1-0, 1.13).

This matchup could really shape the series as Pittsburgh tries to keep its newfound offensive rhythm and pitching depth. It’s one of those games you might want to keep an eye on if you’re following early-season storylines.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Cruz hits 2-run HR, Chandler gives up 1 run in 6 innings, Pirates beat Rays 5-1