PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) - Behind Oneil Cruz's two RBI's and Jared Jones throwing a gem, the Pirates move to 4.5 games back of the final Wild Card spot after a 2-0 win against the White Sox Thursday night.
Cruz blasted a solo shot in the top of the 4th to make it 1-0 Pittsburgh. It was his 18th home run of the season.
Jones dazzled with 6.2 no hit innings and struck out 8 batters. Colson Montgomery ropped a double off the right field wall to end the no hit bid. Jones finished the night pitching 7 innings and allowed 1 hit.
"Discussion with Murph and Luke, he felt great. Let him keep going, pitch count was in order. Wish he kept the no hitter in order. He was going to be seven ups and that was it," said Don Kelly on Jones performance. "It's huge for us, getting into the 7th inning, pen has been kind of taxed recently with bullpen games. Going to have another tomorrow to open up the series against the Cubs. For him to be able to go 7 and save the guys in the pen was a huge start for us."
Cruz singled home a second run in the top of the 8th to make it 2-0 Pittsburgh. Mason Montgomery closed out the 9th and earned his 12th save of the season.
"Really good games when you look at it. Back and forth yesterday, honestly could have went either way, with the play Triolo made, just a battle, they have a good team. Lots of firepower in the offense, really good for us to get three wins," said Kelly.
The Numbers
*The Pirates completed their first road sweep of an American League opponent since July 12-14 2024. It was also at the White Sox.
*At 74-73, Pittsburgh has a winning record since July 29
*This is the Pirates 11th shutout of the season and third in their last six games.
*The Pirates gained a half-game on the Padres and Diamondbacks with them being off.
*Jared Jones matched his career high with seven innings, allowing one hit and striking out eight to earn his 10th win, his longest outing since returning from elbow surgery and his first seven inning start since 2024.
*Oneil Cruz home run was tracked on statcast at 117.4 mph off the bat, the highest exit veocity on a homer this season.
Up Next
The Bucs stay in Chicago this weekend when they face the Cubs starting Friday afternoon at 2:20. A pitcher has not been named yet for the Pirates. Shota Imanaga starts for the Cubs.
Jones had a no hit bid end in the 7th with two outs.
Jones had a no hit bid end in the 7th with two outs.
