Mitch Keller, Oneil Cruz lead the charge in Pirates' first victory of season

Noah Hiles, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Mar 28, 2025

Published in Baseball

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MIAMI — Unlike the past two seasons, Mitch Keller was not selected to be this year’s Opening Day starter. But for the third straight year, the Pirates came out on top during his first outing. Fresh off a disappointing loss Thursday evening, Keller helped the Pirates get their redemption against the Marlins in the form of a 4-3 victory Friday evening at loanDepot park.

Although his stuff was less sharp than usual, the Pirates’ veteran leader of the starting rotation had little issue with Miami’s lineup, tossing six innings of one-run ball. Keller was able to pitch with a lead starting in the bottom of the fourth inning, thanks to his offense plating a pair of runs in the top half of that frame. A two-run homer from Oneil Cruz gave the right-hander even more of a cushion, allowing him to turn a 4-1 lead over to the bullpen, which this time around, was maintained. He finished his workday having allowed five hits and a walk, while striking out four.

In the field, the Pirates were stellar. Outfielders Tommy Pham and Bryan Reynolds both made difficult catches down the line, while Ke’Bryan Hayes, Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Endy Rodriguez each flashed their respective leather in the infield. Pittsburgh also gave Miami problems on the bases again, swiping a pair of bags in its win.

Connor Gillispie was the game’s losing pitcher. The contest was his first start in the major leagues. Despite another rocky outing, David Bednar earned the save, his first of the season. The Pirates tallied seven hits in their victory, the same amount as the Marlins.

The game was over when

Cruz smashed a two-run home run to right field off Gillispie in the top of the fifth inning, making the score 4-0. The longball marked Cruz’s first hit of the young 2025 season. The blast came on an 0-1 knee-high slider from left over the center of the plate. Cruz connected on the pitch, sending it 381 feet to right field at an exit velocity of 115 mph.

On the mound

Caleb Ferguson took over for Keller at the start of the bottom of the seventh inning, throwing his second scoreless frame of the season. Ryan Borucki was next in line, posting a doughnut in the eighth that was partially aided by a nifty double play turned by Rodriguez at first base. Bednar made things interesting in the bottom of the ninth, walking his first batter and then surrendering a two-run homer to Otto Lopez to make it a one-run game. However, with his back against the wall, the two-time All-Star found a way to hang on, getting a pair of groundouts and a strikeout to end it.

At the plate

Andrew McCutchen put the Pirates ahead in the top of the fourth inning with a hustle double to left-center field. The hit scored Cruz, who led the inning off with a walk and stole second base. His run was the first of the game. McCutchen’s two-bagger marked the 799th extra-base hit of his career. Adam Frazier tallied an RBI later that frame, bringing Joey Bart home on a sacrifice fly that made the score 2-0.

Most valuable player

Oneil Cruz. After a disastrous showing in center field on opening day, Cruz redeemed himself Friday night, going 2 for 4 with a walk, the two-run homer, a single, two runs scored and a stolen base. His multi-hit effort marked the first for any Pirate batter this season.

Up next

The Pirates will be back in action Saturday for the third game of their four-game series against the Marlins at loanDepot park. Left-hander Bailey Falter will face right-hander Valente Bellozo on the mound. First pitch is scheduled at 4:10 p.m. Fans can watch the contest on SportsNet Pittsburgh, or listen on 93.7 The Fan.