Oneil Cruz Shows New Approach When Pirates Need It Most
Abandoning his signature power-swing for a disciplined, late-inning single, Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz delivers a series-sweeping RBI.
There was a time when Oneil Cruz would have tried to hit the ball 500 feet. And that time was just last September. The Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder once swung at every pitch, always aiming for power.
Subtlety was absent from Cruz's approach. Since opening day, Cruz has shown maturity as a hitter. On Sunday, with the game on the line, he did something new.
The Pirates and visiting Cincinnati Reds were scoreless in the bottom of the eighth inning when rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin ripped a two-out double to center field. Jake Mangum followed by drawing a walk. That brought up Cruz.
In this crucial moment, his focus was clear—he did not need to try to hit the ball over the right-field stands and into the Allegheny River. Cruz fell behind 1-2, then lined a single. Griffin raced home and beat the throw.